Analysis of Anteroposterior Spinal Curvatures in Child Violinists from Music Schools

摘要

Young musicians often report problems with their upper limbs and spine due to their specific and asymmetric positions and actions while playing, which may contribute to overloading these structures. Diagnosing any disorders to the upper limbs or spine early may help to minimize the risk of developing any serious instrument-related health problems in the future. The aim of this study was to assess the anteroposterior (AP) spinal curvatures in children learning to play the violin. Previous studies have shown anthropomorphic differences in young adult musicians, and our study examined if these differences appeared early or late in the musician's career. METHODS: Body posture of 101 children, aged 7-12 yrs (mean 11.09±1.48), was assessed. The study population consisted of 49 child violinists and a control group of 52 children who did not play any musical instrument. There were 81.19% girls and 18.81% boys. Body posture was analyzed using the MORA 4G. RESULTS: The violinist group showed significant differences in the thoracolumbar region angle (p=0.004) compared to the non-musical children. The remaining parameters did not reveal significant differences between groups. The parameter characterizing the location of kyphosis peak calculated from the spinous process of the C7 vertebra was significantly higher in the study population. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in body posture in children who play the violin appear early in their training. Body postures when playing the violin lead to some changes in parameters characterizing AP spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane.