Examination of body awareness and upper extremity functions in musicians playing different instruments

Ozel, Y. Examination of Body Awareness and Upper Extremity Functions in Musicians Playing Different Instruments. Hasan Kalyoncu University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotheraphy and Rehabilitation, Master Thesis, Gaziantep, 2018. Our study was done to examine body awareness and upper extremity functions in musicians playing different instruments. A total of 186 individuals, including 34 wind, 93 wired and 59 strings playing instruments for at least 3 years between 16-39 years, were included in the study. Hand ability function and hand grip strength were evaluated as upper extremity functions. The nine-hole peg test (9 HPT) was used in evaluating hand strength, and the jamar dynamometer was used in assessing hand grip strength (HGS). Body awareness and a Quick-dash questionnaire were administered to all subjects. The upper extremity functions and body awareness were compared according to the instrument type. When we look at the individuals in terms of body awareness, it was seen that the highest body awareness was in using the stringed instrument (p <0.05). Instrument groups were similar in terms of hand strength, grip strength and Quick-dash values (p> 0.05). When individuals were compared according to sex, the body mass index (BMI) of women, 9HP-right, 9HP-left HGS-left and HGS-right were lower than men (P <0.05). Given the parameters considered to be age-related in individuals, grip strength and body awareness increased as age increased (p <0.05). The use of professional instruments was thought to be a reference in terms of clinical evaluation of equipment and scales used in our study, which may have positive effects on upper extremity functions and body awareness. We believe that it will be appropriate to develop new evaluation parameters related to the subject, which will be important in preventing future injuries to the individuals playing the instrument.