Prevalence and Characterization of Physical Disorders That Impede Music-Making Among Wind Instrument Players: An Observational Study
Abstract
Introduction: Wind instrumentalists are exposed to specific mechanical, respiratory, and orofacial constraints that can lead to playing-related physical problems (PRPPs). However, very few studies have focused on this population, limiting the understanding of their specific context and the development of appropriate prevention strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence, nature and location of PRPP among wind instrumentalists. The secondary objective was to assess the associations between the presence of these problems and warm-up habits, physical activity level and health-related knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed between December 2023 and February 2024. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic data, instrumental practice, presence and location of PRPP, warm-up habits, physical activity level, and anatomical and physiological knowledge. Results: Among 96 participants, 65% reported at least one PRPP, mainly located in the upper body and orofacial region. Instrument-specific patterns were identified, with more labial issues in brass players and greater orofacial fatigue in reed players. No significant association was found between PRPP occurrence and warm-up habits or physical activity level (p > 0.05). The mean score for anatomical and physiological knowledge was generally low, despite often high self-reported confidence. Discussion and conclusion: These findings highlight a high prevalence of PRPPs among wind instrumentalists in a context where health-related knowledge and good practice are frequently limited. This underscores the importance of developing targeted primary prevention programs.
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BibTeX
@article{aeby2026prevalence,
title = {{Prevalence and Characterization of Physical Disorders That Impede Music-Making Among Wind Instrument Players: An Observational Study}},
author = {Mathieu Aeby and Julie Hervé-Colas and Claudio Agueci and François Tharin and Anne-Violette Bruyneel},
journal = {Mains Libres},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.55498/mainslibres.2026.02.3.212},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05754093v1},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Prevalence and Characterization of Physical Disorders That Impede Music-Making Among Wind Instrument Players: An Observational Study
AU - Mathieu Aeby
AU - Julie Hervé-Colas
AU - Claudio Agueci
AU - François Tharin
AU - Anne-Violette Bruyneel
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/15
JO - Mains Libres
DO - 10.55498/mainslibres.2026.02.3.212
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05754093v1
AB - Introduction: Wind instrumentalists are exposed to specific mechanical, respiratory, and orofacial constraints that can lead to playing-related physical problems (PRPPs). However, very few studies have focused on this population, limiting the understanding of their specific context and the development of appropriate prevention strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence, nature and location of PRPP among wind instrumentalists. The secondary objective was to assess the associations between the presence of these problems and warm-up habits, physical activity level and health-related knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed between December 2023 and February 2024. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic data, instrumental practice, presence and location of PRPP, warm-up habits, physical activity level, and anatomical and physiological knowledge. Results: Among 96 participants, 65% reported at least one PRPP, mainly located in the upper body and orofacial region. Instrument-specific patterns were identified, with more labial issues in brass players and greater orofacial fatigue in reed players. No significant association was found between PRPP occurrence and warm-up habits or physical activity level (p > 0.05). The mean score for anatomical and physiological knowledge was generally low, despite often high self-reported confidence. Discussion and conclusion: These findings highlight a high prevalence of PRPPs among wind instrumentalists in a context where health-related knowledge and good practice are frequently limited. This underscores the importance of developing targeted primary prevention programs.
SN - 1660-8585
ER -