Work - Volume 41, issue 1

Article Type: Miscellaneous

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1275

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 1-4, 2012

Authors: Molsberger, Friedrich | Molsberger, Albrecht

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) are common among musicians. Acupuncture is well established in Germany as a treatment for orthopedic conditions, but it is not commonly used in the treatment of PRMD yet. The authors examined the musicians' health literature and provide a brief overview about the background of acupuncture. Three case studies are presented to show possible benefits for the treatment of PRMD. Participants: 2456 medical doctors, members of the German research group for …acupuncture. Methods: We searched literature and Medline Database for publications about acupuncture, musicians' medicine and musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally we asked medical doctors, via a questionnaire, about the treatment of professional musicians as patients. Case studies are presented. Results: No research was found to support the use oft acupuncture in PRMD. The survey study found that medical doctors are not satisfied with the quality of medical health care provided to musicians and regard specialist knowledge as being important. Conclusion: Evidence on the benefits of acupuncture for musculoskeletal disorders suggests that it could be of benefit as a complementary treatment of PRMD. We suggest performing clinical trials to demonstrate the value of standard treatment, acupuncture and complementary medicine for PRMD. Show more

Keywords: Musicians' medicine, professional orchestra musicians, playing-related disorders, repetitive strain injury, acupuncture

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1235

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 5-13, 2012

Authors: Mullen, Rachel | Davis, Jane A. | Polatajko, Helene J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Active participation in daily occupations is a vital part of everyday life, social participation and healthy life long human development; however, enablers of active participation are not well understood. Passion, a strong tendency towards an activity that a person finds meaningful and spends a lot of time doing, is a potential enabler. Accordingly, it is important to understand how an individual's passion for a specific occupation plays out across the occupational life course. Objective: …To explore the experience of passion across the life course of older adults involved in the performing arts. Participants: Seven older adults involved in, or retired from, the performing arts, who consider themselves passionate about their occupation. Methods: A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to explore, through interviews with older adults, passion for performing arts across the life course. Results: Emerging themes supported development of an initial theoretical framework explicating active participation and passion. It centers on passion as an enabler of occupational participation through different modes, and suggests barriers to that enablement process. Conclusions: Findings suggest that passion has an important role in continued active participation in an occupation; however, barriers, such as social and financial, can derail the pursuit of a passionate occupation. Show more

Keywords: Life course, older adults, theatre, dance, drama

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1236

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 15-25, 2012

Authors: Wasley, David | Taylor, Adrian | Backx, Karianne | Williamon, Aaron

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The current study examines the relationships between physical activity and fitness and reactivity to a musical performance stressor (MPS). Numerous studies suggest that being fitter and more physically active has a beneficial effect on individuals' cardiovascular responses to laboratory-based mental challenges. The results are equivocal regarding the transfer of such benefits to real world contexts such as musical performance. Participants: Forty six advanced music students completed this assessment. Method: All participants completed …a 20-min pre-performance assessment of heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV) and blood pressure. Participants also completed baseline measures and a sub-maximal fitness assessment on a separate day. Results: A positive association between fitness and HR pre-MPS was found. Fitness was also positively associated with root mean square SD RR_{interval} before the MPS. Higher fitness was related to lower state anxiety post-MPS. Conclusions: Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to classical musicians' day-to-day work and performance. Show more

Keywords: Stress, heart rate variability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1240

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 27-32, 2012

Authors: Wörz-Bilfinger, D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Female instrumentalists can encounter serious performing problems because of their physiology that is not regarded as being significant in medical terms, but which nevertheless may seriously hinder or even prevent them from playing their instruments. Music-related medical advice is based on fundamental medical procedures, and includes taking a detailed case history, instrumental biography and, above all, player observation. Three case studies from a medical information center for professional and lay musicians show the …importance of gender-specific problems in female musicians: A pianist with "pseudo short-arm syndrome" due to circumference of the abdomen as a result of pregnancy; a violinist with pain in the shoulder girdle due to heavy mammae; and a young oboist with "pseudo breathing- problems" during menstruation. Show more

Keywords: Music medicine, gender-specific problems, player observation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1241

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 33-36, 2012

Authors: Wolberg, George | Schipper, Irene

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Musicians have long been hampered by the challenge in turning sheet music while their hands are occupied playing an instrument. The sight of a human page turner assisting a pianist during a performance, for instance, is not uncommon. This need for a page turning solution is no less acute during practice sessions, which account for the vast majority of playing time. Despite widespread appreciation of the problem, there have been virtually no robust and affordable products …to assist the musician. Recent progress in assistive technology and electronic reading devices offers promising solutions to this long-standing problem. The objective of this paper is to survey the technology landscape and assess the benefits and drawbacks of page turning solutions for musicians. A full range of mechanical and digital page turning products are reviewed. Show more

Keywords: Automatic page turner, assistive technology, hands-free reading

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1242

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 37-52, 2012

Authors: Zosso, Amélie | Schoeb, Veronika

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Musicians are artists who use the entire body when playing their instruments. Since over-practicing may lead to physical problems, musicians might encounter focal dystonia, a hand's motor disorder. The cause seems to be the brain's confusion between afferent and efferent information transfer provoking a disharmony with the instrument. Although focal dystonia may have serious consequences for a musician's career, it is unclear how musicians perceive this trouble. This case study describes two musicians with …focal dystonia. Qualitative research was used to study their social representations of health and illness. The results show the central role of the hand during music playing, the passion for music and the understanding for focal dystonia as "brain panic". Therapists should account for those specific features inherent to this population in order to better help them in their quest for art through music. Giving a voice to musicians may improve their quality of care. Show more

Keywords: Physical therapy, performing artists, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1243

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 53-59, 2012

Authors: Potter, Patrick

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The first step in approaching task specific focal hand dystonia (TSFHD) is recognition that it is a neurological disorder and not a deficiency in practice or technique. To eliminate the enigma, TSFHD needs to be a more familiar entity. That is the objective of this paper. Method: This is a state of the art review in concert with 3 decades of experience providing care for musicians written to act as a reference source. It is written as an …introduction to TSFHD by reviewing history, etiology and current theories, presentation and characteristics, diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions: Information sources, both web-based and by consultation need to be accessible, reliable and comprehensive. Accurate diagnosis should include the diagnosis of concurrent impairments and the confirmation that the diagnosis of TSFHD is correct. Successful treatment is likely to be interdisciplinary. Successful approaches may include the administration of botulinum toxin but approaches should not be restricted to pharmaceuticals. Instrument modification, altering technique and sensory motor retraining are potential adjunctive approaches. A dichotomy exists between the therapeutic benefit achieved with treatment and the musician's need for optimum hand function. The final goal is successful return to playing at a level that meets the musician's needs. Show more

Keywords: Focal hand dystonia, musicians

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1261

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 61-68, 2012

Authors: Eales, Lindsay

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1229

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 69-70, 2012

Article Type: Miscellaneous

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1336

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 71-71, 2012