Influence of musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain on performance excellence

Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) and pain are a common phenomenon in professional musicians, with a prevalence of up to 80%. A majority of musicians are not aware that pain influences their performance excellence. Recent research data demonstrate that pain has the impact to change motor control strategies. Musicians with pain experience coordination impairments, muscle inhibition, and changes of motor control, influencing their movement patterns while playing their instruments. Vice versa, motor control impairments in musicians with poor body awareness or body control can have an immense impact on the development of musculoskeletal dysfunctions and pain. There is evidence that musicians suffer double the amount of musculoskeletal dysfunctions than non-musicians. Additionally, evidence is growing that the failure of stabilization systems as the feedforward activation of transversus abdominus muscle for the lumbar spine contributes to the development of a chronic pain syndrome. A study at our clinic has provided clinical data demonstrating the dysfunctions in various stabilization systems. Preliminary results of ultrasound investigations of the activation of the transversus abdominus muscle in musicians with musculoskeletal dysfunctions support these findings. This research data suggest an association of the impairment of the lumbopelvic stabilization system with PRMD.