Can experienced observers detect postural changes in professional muscians after interventions?

Cliffton Chan, Tim Driscoll, Bronwen Ackermann

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Postural dysfunction is reported to increase the likelihood of developing performance-related musculoskeletal disorders in musicians. Both Exercise Therapy and Alexander Technique (AT) use methods that are suggested to assist with improving posture. This study aimed to investigate whether experienced observers were able to detect postural changes in professional orchestral musicians following a 10-week intervention program. 57 musicians volunteered for either a program of Exercise or AT.
Standardized series of photographs were taken of each participant before
and after participating in an intervention program. Photographs were then
randomized by (1) time taken and (2) intervention type. These were evaluated by five experienced musician health professionals and four specialist music educators who had training in AT or Body Mapping. Observers were asked to identify the better posture using anterior and lateral photographic views of each musician. All participants reported an improvement in playing posture post-intervention. Health professionals and music educators identified the true post-intervention photograph as having better posture significantly more frequently than chance (50%). Observers were better able to identify this in the AT group photographs compared to the Exercise group, however this was not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that while experienced observers were able to detect postural changes post-intervention using photographs, further studies could aim to improve findings by increased training and incorporation of video footage.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Symposium on Performance Science 2013
EditorsAaron Williamon, Werner Goebl
Place of PublicationBrussels, Belgium
PublisherEuropean Association of Conservatoires (AEC)
Pages181-186
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9782960137804
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event4th International Symposium on Performance Science 2013 - Vienna, Austria
Duration: 28 Aug 201331 Aug 2013

Conference

Conference4th International Symposium on Performance Science 2013
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period28/08/1331/08/13

Keywords

  • Alexander Technique
  • exercise
  • performance-related musculoskeletal disorders
  • photographs
  • professional orchestral musicians

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