The prevalence of complaints of arm, neck and/or shoulder in amateur musicians

Abstract

Aim: Complaints of arm, neck and/or shoulder (CANS) are common in musicians. Identified risk factors in professional musicians include posture, arm position and playing time. Studies in amateur musicians are limited. Two questions are addressed: (1) what is the difference in prevalence of CANS in amateur musicians playing in either elevated or neutral arm position? (2) What is the association between duration of playing time per week and CANS? Methods: Cross-sectional survey in amateur musicians. Evaluated were background, instrument and musculoskeletal complaints. Respondents were categorized by arm position; neutral versus elevated (≥ 40° abduction and/or flexion (one- or two-sided)). The groups were compared using T-test, Chi Square test and Mann Whitney U Test. Multiple logistic regression analysis modeled playing time as predictor of CANS. Results: Available for analyses were 162 amateur musicians, of which 46.9% played with elevated arm position. The point-prevalence of CANS was 24.4% in neutral arm position and 15.8% in elevated position (Odds ratio (OR) 0.41 (p=0.06). The 12-months prevalence was 45.3% in those playing in a neutral arm position and 48.7% in elevated arm position (OR 1.14, p=0.67). CANS was not statistically significant related to arm position. Except complaints in the left shoulder with elevated left arm; OR 6.69 (p<0.05) compared to neutral left arm position. The number of hours per week playing was found not to contribute to CANS in a statistically significant way (OR 1, p=0.36). Conclusion: The total prevalence of CANS is not related to arm position in amateur musicians, except complaints of the left shoulder that are found significantly more often when the left arm is elevated. Playing time was not related to CANS. Clinical Relevance: The prevalence of CANS in amateur musicians is higher than the prevalence in the general population. Especially instrumentalists playing with elevated left arm are at risk.