Muscle stiffness among musicians with and without playing-related musculoskeletal disorders: a cross-sectional study

Increased muscle stiffness (MS) in the upper trapezius (UT) has been shown to correlate with pain in some populations. However, knowledge regarding altered MS in musicians affected by playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) remains limited. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether MS is altered in musicians with PRMDs. A further aim was to explore associations between MS and musicians’ features. A total of 60 musicians from the Conservatory of Southern Switzerland and the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana participated in the study. The assessment procedure included a self-reported questionnaire on background and lifestyle, practice habits, PRMDs, physical activity and perceived health, along with a bilateral evaluation of MS in the UT using the MyotonPRO (Muomeetria, Tallinn, Estonia). Of the 60 participants, 28 musicians (47%) reported ongoing PRMDs, with a higher pain prevalence in the UT, especially on the left side. MS in the UT did not differ significantly between musicians with and without PRMDs. However, positive correlations were observed between MS and perceived effort, and between MS and playing-related disability. Conversely, a negative correlation was found between MS and the physical component of perceived health, as well as preparatory exercises and breaks during playing practice. Although no significant difference was found between PRMD and non-PRMD groups, statistically significant correlations between MS and certain musicians-related features were detected. Being the first study that explored MS among musicians, further research is needed within the musical and scientific community, particularly employing a longitudinal design to observe and monitor musicians over time.