Effect of an Exercise Program Designed for Orchestral Musicians

Effect of an Exercise Program Designed for Professional Orchestral Musicians on Performance-related Musculoskeletal Problems - a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of an exercise program designed specifically for orchestral musicians on performance-related musculoskeletal problems (PRMPs). Professional and conservatory-level orchestral musicians will be recruited. Half of the subjects will participate in an 11-week home exercise program and attend three group exercise sessions and an educational presentation on injury prevention, while the other half of the subjects will receive no intervention, and continue their usual activities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• professional or freelance orchestral musician, or tertiary-level full-time music student majoring in an orchestral instrument
• able to commit to performing exercises 2 times per week over an 11-week period
• medical condition permitting participation in an exercise program (ie. no serious heart or lung condition that may be exacerbated by physical exertion)

Exclusion Criteria:

• presence of musculoskeletal injuries definitively non-related to musical practice or performance
• fewer than 15 hours per week playing their instrument
• corticosteroid infiltration in the 6 weeks preceding recruitment
• prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs or neurontin in the 3 weeks preceding recruitment