Holistic Health and the Prevention of Performance-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Orchestral String Musicians

• Main Author: Kuo, F. Lynn
• Other Authors: Parker, James
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: injury prevention; musicians; performance-related musculoskeletal disorders; performance-related injuries; holistic health; well-being; orchestral; string; stress management; occupational health; music; orchestra; injury; performing arts health; 0413; 0354; 0766
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/32796

Professional orchestral string musicians represent a population at risk for performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD). Research literature suggests the influence of stress in the incidence of work-related and performance-related musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate the role of holistic health (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social) and stress management in the prevention of PRMDs in professional orchestral string musicians. Five musicians representing different instruments, genders, and PRMD histories were recruited and sorted from a single professional orchestra in Canada. This study combined quantitative data - in the form of basic demographic information and a Health and Well-being Assessment - with qualitative interview data. This combined data provided a focused, in-depth view of typical instances in the professional orchestral string population. The musicians reported a variety of occupational and non-occupational risk factors, as well as a range of intrinsic risk factors. They also reported a variety of PRMD prevention strategies and lifestyle behaviours. The musicians in this study provide evidence that stress may play a mediating role in PRMDs and that the management of biomechanical and psychosocial stressors through holistic health practices may positively influence the incidence, severity, and treatment of PRMDs in orchestral string musicians. This dissertation recommends that increased awareness and education in holistic health practices be encouraged for the purpose of improved PRMD prevention in professional orchestral string musicians.