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Chi J-Y1, Halaki M2, Barrett MS3, Ackermann B1
1The University of Sydney, Discipline of Biomedical Science, Sydney, Australia, 2The University of Sydney, Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Sydney, Australia, 3University of Queensland, School of Music, Brisbane, Australia
Background: Musicians playing upper string instruments (violin and viola) have a high risk of acquiring performance-related musculoskeletal disorders with prevalence rates ranging from 65.0% to 78.1%. Poor posture and instrument ergonomic issues have been perceived as important risk factors leading to developing musculoskeletal problems by violinists and music health experts. However, there is a gap in knowledge with no consensus about how to optimise the playing posture for violin performance and comfort.
Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore in depth the viewpoints of violinists, music shop staff and music health professionals regarding how the player's body should interact with their instrument, in the context of violin playing, and the factors that may influence it.
Methods: 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 violinists, 8 music healthcare providers (5 health professionals, 2 body mapping teachers and one instrument fitting consultant) and 5 music shop staff. The inclusion criteria were violinists, violin teachers, instrument salespeople or health care providers with over 10 years of experience involving violin playing or working with violinists. The interviews were held by one researcher either face-to-face or by video meeting. A list of open-ended questions was developed to help delve into participant's thoughts and experiences of instrument support and playing posture. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed anonymously. Saturation was achieved when the researchers agreed that no further information would emerge by recruiting more participants. Thematic and content analysis was employed to analyse the data. Codes were identified and refined then grouped together by categories and subcategories.
Results: A distinct knowledge gap in instrument support during violin performance among professionals was observed. Although most respondents agreed the neutrality of the body is important to violin playing, violinists and body mapping teachers focussed more on the instrument position and ergonomics than the health professionals (i.e. 4 physiotherapists and 1 chiropractor in this study) and music shop staff who tended to focus more on optimising physical posture with instrument. An inconsistent violin support strategy was observed, with half the players recommending holding the violin with minimal left hand support, contrasting with the view of the other half that the left hand should support the instrument most of the time. Key themes that emerged included
(i) approaches to addressing the body posture or biomechanics in violin performing largely reflected the background of the interviewee;
(ii) environment and performance outcomes strongly influence the playing posture
(iii) the source of body knowledge and the process of posture and technique re-learning shaped the violinist's physical playing habits.
Conclusion(s): This study presents important information reflecting how experiences of professionals affect important issues such as appropriate ergonomic adaptations between the violin and the performer. It is unique in exploring in depth a multidisciplinary perspective on violin support. This research suggest that health professionals should ensure instrument-specific adaptations are addressed as well during postural assessments of violinists with playing-related health issues.
Implications: The results from the present study provide preliminary guides for intervention or research involves examining posture and body mechanics of violin playing.
Keywords: Violin, posture, body mechanics
Funding acknowledgements:The study was unfounded.
Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore in depth the viewpoints of violinists, music shop staff and music health professionals regarding how the player's body should interact with their instrument, in the context of violin playing, and the factors that may influence it.
Methods: 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 violinists, 8 music healthcare providers (5 health professionals, 2 body mapping teachers and one instrument fitting consultant) and 5 music shop staff. The inclusion criteria were violinists, violin teachers, instrument salespeople or health care providers with over 10 years of experience involving violin playing or working with violinists. The interviews were held by one researcher either face-to-face or by video meeting. A list of open-ended questions was developed to help delve into participant's thoughts and experiences of instrument support and playing posture. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed anonymously. Saturation was achieved when the researchers agreed that no further information would emerge by recruiting more participants. Thematic and content analysis was employed to analyse the data. Codes were identified and refined then grouped together by categories and subcategories.
Results: A distinct knowledge gap in instrument support during violin performance among professionals was observed. Although most respondents agreed the neutrality of the body is important to violin playing, violinists and body mapping teachers focussed more on the instrument position and ergonomics than the health professionals (i.e. 4 physiotherapists and 1 chiropractor in this study) and music shop staff who tended to focus more on optimising physical posture with instrument. An inconsistent violin support strategy was observed, with half the players recommending holding the violin with minimal left hand support, contrasting with the view of the other half that the left hand should support the instrument most of the time. Key themes that emerged included
(i) approaches to addressing the body posture or biomechanics in violin performing largely reflected the background of the interviewee;
(ii) environment and performance outcomes strongly influence the playing posture
(iii) the source of body knowledge and the process of posture and technique re-learning shaped the violinist's physical playing habits.
Conclusion(s): This study presents important information reflecting how experiences of professionals affect important issues such as appropriate ergonomic adaptations between the violin and the performer. It is unique in exploring in depth a multidisciplinary perspective on violin support. This research suggest that health professionals should ensure instrument-specific adaptations are addressed as well during postural assessments of violinists with playing-related health issues.
Implications: The results from the present study provide preliminary guides for intervention or research involves examining posture and body mechanics of violin playing.
Keywords: Violin, posture, body mechanics
Funding acknowledgements:The study was unfounded.
Topic: Occupational health & ergonomics
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: The University of Sydney
Ethics committee: Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
Ethics number: 2016/100
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
