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.
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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the International Symposium on Performance Science 2013 |
Editors | Aaron Williamon, Werner Goebl |
Place of Publication | Brussels, Belgium |
Publisher | European Association of Conservatoires (AEC) |
Pages | 181-186 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISBN (Print) | 9782960137804 |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | 4th International Symposium on Performance Science 2013 - Vienna, Austria Duration: 28 Aug 2013 → 31 Aug 2013 |
Conference
Conference | 4th International Symposium on Performance Science 2013 |
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Country/Territory | Austria |
City | Vienna |
Period | 28/08/13 → 31/08/13 |
Keywords
- Alexander Technique
- exercise
- performance-related musculoskeletal disorders
- photographs
- professional orchestral musicians