Physical and Functional Effects of Online Exercise Program on Musicians Playing Stringed Instruments

The Effect of Online Exercise Program on Musculoskeletal Problems, Upper Extremity Function, Physical Activity Level, Muscle Oxygenation, Reaction Time, Grip Strength and Pressure Pain Threshold in Musicians Playing Stringed Instruments

Musculoskeletal problems related to instrument playing or performance are frequently seen in musicians. Different interventions such as strength training, endurance training and yoga have been used in the management of these problems. The first specific exercise program for professional orchestra musicians was developed by Chan et al. However, it has been stated that it is difficult to encourage musicians' participation in exercise due to their constantly changing work schedules, and at this point, the use of digital media such as DVDs, USBs, and educational exercise videos may have a potential role.

On the other hand, it has been stated that smart wearable devices with mobile applications (such as smart watches, smart band) as digital health interventions are an interesting, interactive and efficient psychological strategy to promote physical activity and can be used as an intervention to promote a healthy lifestyle. Based on the literature, in our study, the exercise program developed by Chan et al., will be done online via "Google Meet" and symptoms can be evaluated with objective evaluation methods. Unlike other studies using digital media, exercises will be performed synchronously and feedback will be given to the musicians simultaneously, as in face-to-face exercises. In addition, all participants will be given a smart band, they will be encouraged to use it until the end of the study, and the change in their physical activity levels will be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Agreeing to exercise once a week for 8 weeks
• Being between the ages of 18-65
• Playing a string instrument in Bursa Regional State Symphony Orchestra / Bursa Uludağ University State Conservatory / Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Education Fine Arts Education Department, Department of Music Education / Ege University State Conservatory of Turkish Music
• Main instrument being a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
• Playing an instrument for more than 5 years
• Having a musculoskeletal problem related to playing an instrument or performance

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a musculoskeletal problem that is not related to playing an instrument or performance
• Playing the instrument less than 15 hours per week
• Having had a corticosteroid injection within 6 weeks
• Having used anti-inflammatory or gabapentin within 3 weeks
• Having had any surgical operation that would prevent exercise in the last 6 months
• Having any diagnosed neurological and/or orthopedic problem that would prevent exercise in the last 6 months
• Having a diagnosed psychiatric problem
• Maximum subcutaneous fat thickness more than 12 mm