Research Report Abstracts - Gesundheit

WPT2011, Research Report Abstracts eS1065
be limited by sample size, method of survey delivery and
response bias.
Implications: High participation of PTs in PA places them
well to advocate PA to patients. Further studies should examine
actual influence of PA behavior by PTs on consultation
practices.
Keywords: Physical activity; Health promotion
Funding acknowledgements: None.
Ethics approval: N/A.
Research Report Poster Display
Number: RR-PO-303-10-Tue Tuesday 21 June 13:00
RAI: Exhibit Halls 2&3
EFFECT OF AN ADDITIONAL TRAINING
PROGRAM ON POSTURE, MOTOR CONTROL,
MUSCLE LENGTH AND STRENGTH OF UPPER
EXTREMITIES IN PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS
Roussel N. 1,2,3 , Schutt A. 4 , Thielemans M. 4 , Daenen L. 3 ,
Cras P. 3 , Nijs J. 5
1Artesis University College Antwerp, Health Care, Antwerp,
Belgium, 2Artesis University College Antwerp, Royal Conservatoire,
Merksem, Belgium, 3Universiteit Antwerpen,
Faculty of Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium, 4Artesis University
College Antwerp, Royal Conservatoire, Antwerp, Belgium,
5Artesis University College Antwerp, Health Care, Merksem,
Belgium
Purpose: To analyze the effect of additional training on
posture, scapular motor control, muscle length and muscle
strength of upper extremities in professional musicians.
Relevance: Professional musicians are required to practice
extensively to reach a high level of performance. The prolonged
length of practice sessions, the often asymmetrical
playing position and the execution of repetitive movements
of the upper limbs may contribute to the increased risk of
developing chronic symptoms in professional musicians.
Participants: A cohort of 35 students following a master
degree in music was recruited. The Human Research Ethics
Committee of the University Hospital approved the study
and the information leaflet. Written informed consent was
obtained from all participants before testing in accordance
with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Methods: All students underwent a clinical test battery, consisting
of an evaluation of posture and scapular position in
rest and during movements. In addition, muscle length of pectoralis
minor and major, muscle strength of selected muscles
of the shoulder–neck region and upper extremities, cervical
range of motion, etc. were evaluated. Self-reported measurements
and standardized questionnaires were used to assess
baseline pain, health status and quality of life. This evaluation
was performed twice, i.e. prior to and after a 6-months
lasting training program. Twenty-three students followed the
additional training program (1.5 hours per week during 25
weeks), consisting of endurance training, stretching, muscle
strength training, and education in addition to their music
classes. Eleven students did not follow this intervention (control
group).
Analysis: In addition to descriptive statistics, a mcNemar test
was used to analyze the difference between students following
the intervention and the control group for non-parametric
data, and a two-way ANOVA and paired samples t-test were
used for the evaluation of parametric data.
Results: In the students following the additional training
program, a better posture and a significant increase in muscle
strength of trapezius and shoulder external rotators was
observed after completion of the intervention (p < 0.05). The
length of the pectoralis minor significantly increased. In addition,
a significant decrease in pain catastrophizing and pain
vigilance was seen in those following the additional intervention
(p < 0.05). Finally, a trend towards better scapula motor
control (p = 0.06) and improved muscle strength of serratus
anterior (p = 0.07) was found in this group. No difference
between pre- and post tests or questionnaires was seen in the
students of the control group (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Musicians performing an additional training
program improve their posture, muscle strength, muscle
length, and scapular motor control following the intervention.
This additional intervention also improves pain catastrophizing
and pain cognitions. Further research should determine
whether these improvements are associated with a reduction
of musculoskeletal injuries.
Implications: It is possible to improve posture, motor control
and muscle length and strength of clinically important
muscles in musicians. Weakness of serratus anterior and
trapezius, and a short pectoralis minor have indeed been associated
with shoulder dysfunctions. An intervention program
also improves beliefs about pain in this population.
Keywords: Music; Exercise; Health
Funding acknowledgements: Nathalie Roussel, Anne
Schutt and Magda Thielemans are funded by the research
council of the Artesis University College Antwerp, Belgium.
Ethics approval: The Human Research Ethics Committee
of the University Hospital approved the study and the information
leaflet.