Hand and arm problems in flautists and a design for prevention.

Hand and arm problems are frequent in flautists. Severity is greatest in professional players, which can result in being unable to work. Based on a biomechanical analysis a support for the right hand was designed, which can be easily clipped on to the flute. Tests by professional flautists demonstrated that the right hand thumb support prevented rotation of the flute about its longitudinal axis. The latter reduces tension in forearm, wrist and fingers. This is the most important result of the study, which led to the introduction of the right hand thumb rest on the market.