Abstract
Summary
Effects of Playing Musical Instruments on the Pelvic Floor and Musculoskeletal System in Women Performing in Professional Orchestras and Wind Bands
PhD Anna Katarzyna Cygańska1, MSc Magda Dąbrowska1, M. Mus. Sophie Stahl2
1 Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
2 Oboist, physiotherapist for musicians in Essen and Berlin
Introduction and purpose of the study: The profession of musician is associated with musculoskeletal dysfunctions referred to as playing-related musculoskeletal disorders. Playing musical instruments is associated with stress, repetitive strain and, in the case of wind instruments also with increased intra-abdominal pressure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of playing musical instruments on the pelvic floor muscles and the musculoskeletal system of musicians playing professionally.
Material and methods: Twenty-seven women aged 25-65 years were included in the study (35.8±10.5 years; 21.6±2.1BMI; 12±9.7 years of professional playing). Tools used for the study included the author's survey questionnaire and two validated questionnaires: The Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire and The Online Version of the Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire.
Results: The occurrence of PRMD symptoms ever in life was declared by 16 (59.25%) of the musicians, and current pain was declared by 8 (29.63%) of the musicians (pain intensity was 3.56±5.83 points (max. 40), pain interference was 4.37±7.92 points (max. 50)). APFQ result in the study group was 8.06±3.8, [2.8-16.56] points (max. 40 points). Women playing woodwind instruments scored significantly higher (means worse function) in the area of bladder function than women playing brass instruments (3.52±2.23 vs. 1.17±0.64, p=0.038). Women's overall awareness of pelvic floor function was low, with only 26% of women knowing the role of the pelvic floor muscle in breathing.
Conclusions: Playing musical instruments by women has an impact on pelvic floor muscle function. Women who play musical instruments report experiencing complaints related to playing an instrument. Awareness among women playing musical instruments about pelvic floor muscle function during instrument playing is low.