Musculoskeletal pain in musicians: does playing more than one instrument have more effect?

Objectives. Repeated instrumental practice represents a risk factor for the appearance of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). This study aimed to compare the prevalence and characteristics of PRMDs based on location, pain characteristics and number of hours of instrumental practice, in musicians who play one or more musical instruments. Methods. An observational study was conducted with music university students in Spain using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 178 musicians (41%) played a second instrument. Musicians who played only one instrument had a slightly lower mean number of pain sites (M 3.25, SD 1.93; M 3.44, SD 2.27). On the contrary, pain intensity (M 2.72, SD 2.03; M 2.23, SD 1.78 points), pain interference on mood, quality of life and instrumental practice (M 3.04, SD 2.29; M 2.80, SD 2.24 points) as well as the number of hours devoted to instrumental practice (M 21.18, SD 10.47; M 20.03, SD 12.54 h/week) is slightly higher in musicians playing a single instrument. Conclusions. Pain intensity is the only variable of those analysed that presents statistically significant differences when comparing musicians who play a single instrument with those who play a second instrument, being higher in mono-instrumental musicians.

Automated summary

This study compared the prevalence and characteristics of PRMDs between musicians who play a single instrument and those who play a second instrument. It was found that musicians who play only one instrument have fewer pain sites but higher pain intensity.