Musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors in string musicians

Abstract

Several workers suffer from musculoskeletal disorders and the situation is even more troubling for musicians, because it is common the musical activity do not be the main source of income. This study evaluated in which extent musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors affect string musicians. Evaluations were performed within groups defined by demographic and behavioural variables. Spearman and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied. A total of 97 string instrumentalists were questioned.  Results indicated that bodily regions most affected were upper limbs and column. In turn, inadequate posture represented the element that most cooperated for the arise of musculoskeletal disjunctions. In general, there was no evidence to indicate that predictors of musculoskeletal disorders were similar or divergent among conglomerates. Musicians constantly suffered with complaints in upper limbs occasioned to maintain inappropriate postures during their activities.