Affiliations: Discipline of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia | Australian Centre for Research in Music Performance,
Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Bronwen Ackermann, C/- Discipline of
Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Cumberland Campus, University of
Sydney, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia. Tel.: +61 612 9351 9472;
Fax: +61 612 9351 9715; E-mail: Bronwen.Ackermann@sydney.edu.au
Abstract: Objective: The flute is a highly popular instrument, yet little is
known about the potential injury association with playing this instrument. Participants: Twenty flautists from a major music training
institution volunteered to participate in this project, and had played the
flute for a minimum of ten years. Methods: A specifically designed musicians' health questionnaire was
used to determine injury rates in a group of skilled collegiate flute players
majoring in music to examine self-reported perceptions of performance-related
musculoskeletal disorder causation and approaches to managing these conditions.
Results: All except one player reported suffering from a
performance-related musculoskeletal disorder, with pain present for longer than
3 months in two thirds of this group. The most common approach by the
flautists was to take Alexander lessons rather than seeking health professional
advice. Most attributed their symptoms to long hours of practice, poor posture
and the presence of performance anxiety. Conclusions: Flautists in this sample reported high rates of
performance-related musculoskeletal disorders with the majority having been
present for longer than 3 months. The approach to management often did not
involve consultation with a health professional qualified to diagnose
musculoskeletal conditions.
