Musicians as an occupational group are exposed to various ergonomic exposures which may lead to musculoskeletal problems. In this study we assessed the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Iranian instrumentalists (using traditional Iranian and western instruments).
Methods: In a cross-sectional study we assessed the frequency of MSDs in 356 Iranian instrumentalists by standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire according to age group, type of instrument, duration of playing, and playing/sitting position. Data were analyzed using chi-squared, t-test and ANOVA.
Results: Overall, 158 of 356 subjects (44.4%) experienced MSDs, mostly with mild or moderate symptoms. Frequency of MSDs was significantly higher in females but it was not significantly related to body mass index, duration of employment, and duration of playing or teaching.
Conclusion: Our study showed a high frequency of MSDs among Iranian instrumentalists, so paying attention to the ergonomic exposures of instrumentalists as an occupational group is important. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on players of different Iranian instruments to have considered ergonomic risk factors.