Exploring musicians' perspectives on the management of musculoskeletal disorders and the potential role of digital health interventions: A survey study

Eleryan, Noudy, Hemming, Rebecca ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8708-5638, Sparkes, Valerie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4500-9327 and Sheeran, Liba ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1502-764X 2024. Exploring musicians' perspectives on the management of musculoskeletal disorders and the potential role of digital health interventions: A survey study. Presented at: Chartered Socoety of Physiotherapy (CSP) 2023 Annual Conference, Birmingham, UK, 1 November 2023. Physiotherapy. , vol.123 (S1) Elsevier, e156-e157. 10.1016/j.physio.2024.04.195

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Abstract

Purpose: Musicians are chronically exposed to continuous and repeated physical movements, making them susceptible to developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A survey study was conducted to investigate the factors that contribute to the frequency of musicians' MSDs such as age, gender, weekly working hours and weekly practice hours. In addition, the study aimed to explore the self-perceived efficacy of the various management methods utilised by musicians and their perspectives on the type of information/support that could help them better manage their MSDs, including the potential role of digital health interventions (DHIs). Methods: The study recruited students and professional musicians over the age of 18 years who had experienced current or previous MSDs. An online survey was distributed to educational and professional organizations in the UK and through social media platforms between December 2022 to February 2023. Survey responses were analysed using the statistical package Scientific Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27. Demographic data were expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD), and summary statistics were calculated for each survey item as a percentage of responses. Inferential statistics were conducted in regression contexts to assess factors associated with the frequency of MSDs, with a p-value of 0.05. Responses to open-ended questions were analysed thematically. Results: A total of 100 participants met the inclusion criteria and participated in the survey study. Although younger musicians (18-29 years old) reported more MSDs than older age groups, there was no significant association between age and the frequency of MSDs (p-value= 0.078). Similarly, there was no significant relationship between weekly practice hours and the frequency of MSDs (p-value=0.057). Nonetheless, the results indicated a significant correlational relationship between weekly working hours and the frequency of MSDs (p-value=0.004). Active strategies such as exercise and playing-related advice such as pacing playing were ranked as the most effective management methods. The participants' most common request to better manage their MSDs was pain management/education, without implying the need to stop playing. In addition, 75% indicated that DHIs would help them better manage their MSDs, with advice and information websites ranked highest (41%). Conclusion(s): The study suggests young musicians may be more susceptible to MSDs than older ones. The correlation between long working hours and the frequency of MSDs could be attributed to repetitive tissue loading, which can lead to fatigue failure. This suggests that future interventions should focus on reducing tissue loading and promoting active strategies such as conditioning exercises. Additionally, the results provide valuable insights into the potential of DHIs to support musicians in managing their MSDs. Further research is needed to explore the specific features and functionalities musicians would prefer in DHIs to support their management of MSDs. This study is limited by a small sample size and online bias. Impact: The survey study provides valuable insights into MSD management and the potential of DHIs for musicians. Targeted interventions should be developed for those working long hours to reduce the risk of MSDs while clinical practice can benefit from emphasizing pain management and education without implying the need to stop playing.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RZ Other systems of medicine
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0031-9406
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	9 September 2024
Date of Acceptance:	June 2023
Last Modified:	11 Oct 2024 10:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/171925

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