title: Musculoskeletal disorders among Iranian instrumentalists.
abstract: Musicians as an occupational group are exposed to various ergonomic exposures which may lead to musculoskeletal problems. In this study we assessed the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Iranian instrumentalists (using traditional Iranian and western instruments).
  
  
  METHODS
  In a cross-sectional study we assessed the frequency of MSDs in 356 Iranian instrumentalists by standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire according to age group, type of instrument, duration of playing, and playing/sitting position. Data were analyzed using chi-squared, t-test and ANOVA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 158 of 356 subjects (44.4%) experienced MSDs, mostly with mild or moderate symptoms. Frequency of MSDs was significantly higher in females but it was not significantly related to body mass index, duration of employment, and duration of playing or teaching.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study showed a high frequency of MSDs among Iranian instrumentalists, so paying attention to the ergonomic exposures of instrumentalists as an occupational group is important. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on players of different Iranian instruments to have considered ergonomic risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
authors.forename: Amir Houshang
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Mehrparvar
authors.forename: Mehrdad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mostaghaci
authors.forename: Raman F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Gerami
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009146:Music; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016272:Occupational Health; D011187:Posture; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult