A study involving 120 young musicians from Ireland has identified a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders related to playing musical instruments (PRMDs). These are characterised by chronic pain and other symptoms that cannot be controlled by the affected individual, thus hindering their ability to perform music at their regular standard. 103 classical musicians and 17 traditional musicians made up the total number of respondents, as disclosed in the recent publication in the Irish Medical Journal. Among the classical musicians who participated, a 61% incidence of PRMDs was observed.
Considering the routine of musicians which involves repetitive actions for lengthy periods each day, the study suggested they are predisposed to musculoskeletal ailments. Internationally, the rate of PRMDs occurrence in the lifetime of classic musicians has been estimated to lie between 62% and 93%. Most of the participating individuals were university level students, median aged 19, and 71% of them were female.
In the classical musician group, the most played instruments were keyboards (47 participants) and stringed instruments (30 participants). An 83% lifetime prevalence of PRMDs was reported by string instrument players. The most common locations of PRMDs among them were the upper back, followed by the lower back and right hand or wrist.
Regarding the 17 traditional musicians, nine admitted to suffering from PRMDs. Within this segment – comprising two concertina players, two flute players, as well as musicians playing the bodhrán, bouzouki, harp, tin whistle and uilleann pipes – the hand or wrist was the site most frequently affected by PRMDs. The study found that playing a string instrument and being female were potential risk factors for developing PRMDs.