Musculoskeletal Pain and Satisfaction with an Injury-Prevention Workshop Among Young String and Wind Musicians: An Observational Study.

Background/

Objectives

Musculoskeletal injuries are highly prevalent among musicians, with the neck and shoulders being the most frequently reported areas of pain. Preventive education should be included to help understand and avoid health risks associated with musical performance. The objective is to assess the level of satisfaction with a workshop on injury prevention among string and wind musicians, and to determine the prevalence and location of their musculoskeletal pain.

Methods

This was an observational study consisting of the administration of a questionnaire following a workshop on musculoskeletal injury prevention. Inclusion criteria: string and wind musicians aged between 11 and 20 years.

Results

A total of 83% were bowed string musicians. A total of 98.3% of participants indicated that the duration was appropriate, with a score of 8.9 for both overall satisfaction and perceived usefulness in instrumental practice. Thirty-five musicians reported musculoskeletal pain at some point in their lives, and it was present in 12 participants during the previous week. The most common pain locations were the left shoulder and left hand (45% and 40%, respectively), the cervical region (35%), and the right shoulder (33%).

Conclusions

Musicians show a high level of satisfaction with the workshop received, considering it interesting and important for their instrumental practice. In addition, the participants expressed a high level of intention to carry out the proposed exercises. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain is high, particularly in the shoulders, left hand, and cervical region.