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

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSSTRACT: Musculoskeletal problems affect musicians internationally. When they occur asa result of playing an instrument, they are referred to as playing-related musculoskeletaldisorders (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 inthe year prior to the study. Fourteen violinists from various universities weregiven questionnaires. The first part of the questionnaire addresses issues regardingthe prevalence and location of pain, severity, duration of symptoms, andtreatment routes of PMRDs. The second part of the questionnaire enquires aboutthe availability of resources by institutions and looks at the use of this informationfor prevention and help-seeking behaviour/ treatment.The findings showed that 100% of participants experienced a playing-relatedproblem in the last 12 months. Only 64.3% of students reported their institutionoffering classes on performing-arts health, however, the attendance for theclasses was also low, at 67%, even though the majority of students stated thatperforming-arts health courses were very important.The thesis is concluded with recommendations for institutions, learners, andteachers to try and reduce the rate and effect of PMRDs.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University