A study of performance-related injuries among BMus violin students in South Africa

Date
2019-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSSTRACT: Musculoskeletal problems affect musicians internationally. When they occur as a result of playing an instrument, they are referred to as playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). This study aims to examine the extent of PRMDs among Bachelor of Music (BMus) violinists in third and fourth year, as well as students who graduated in the year prior to the study. Fourteen violinists from various universities were given questionnaires. The first part of the questionnaire addresses issues regarding the prevalence and location of pain, severity, duration of symptoms, and treatment routes of PMRDs. The second part of the questionnaire enquires about the availability of resources by institutions and looks at the use of this information for prevention and help-seeking behaviour/ treatment. The findings showed that 100% of participants experienced a playing-related problem in the last 12 months. Only 64.3% of students reported their institution offering classes on performing-arts health, however, the attendance for the classes was also low, at 67%, even though the majority of students stated that performing-arts health courses were "very important". The thesis is concluded with recommendations for institutions, learners, and teachers to try and reduce the rate and effect of PMRDs.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Muskuloskeletale probleme beïnvloedmusikante wêreldwyd en wanneer dit manifesteer as gevolg van die bespeling van ’n instrument, word daarna verwys as speelverwante muskuloskeletale stoornis of sindroom (PRMDs). Die doel van hierdie studie is omdie omvang van PRMDte toets in derde - en vierde jaar BMus studente, asook studente wat gegradueer het in die jaar voordat met hierdie navorsing begin is. Vraelyste is gegee aan veertien violiste van verskillende universiteite. Die eerste deel van die vraelys spreek aangeleenthede aan wat verband hou met die voorkoms van die pyn, die felheid daarvan, die duur van die simptome en behandelingsopsies vir PRMD. Die tweede deel van die vraelys ondersoek die beskikbaarheid van bronne by instansies/universiteite, en ondersoek die gebruik van hierdie inligting vir die voorkoming en behandeling van studente wat om hulp vra. Die bevindings bevestig dat 100% van die deelnemers ’n oefenverwante probleem in die laaste 12 maande ervaar het, waarvan 64,3% pyn ondervind het in die linkerskouer. 50% het bevestig dat die aard van die pyn gewissel het, maar nooit heeltemal verdwyn het nie. Slegs 64,3% van die studente het aangedui dat hul instansie/universiteit klasse aanbied in musiekvoordrag-gesondheid. Alhoewel die bywoning van die klasse so laag as 67% was, het die meerderheid van studente saamgestem dat musiekvoordrag-gesondheidsklasse "baie belangrik" is. Die navorsing sluit af met aanbevelings vir instansies/universiteite, studente en onderwysers om te poog om die voorkoms en gevolge van PMRD te verminder.
Description
Thesis (MMus)--Stellenbosch University, 2019.
Keywords
Music -- Physiological aspects, UCTD, Violinists -- Wounds and injuries, Education, Higher -- South Africa, Musculoskeletal system - Wounds and injuries, Performing arts - Health aspects
Citation