Typical musculoskeletal patterns in upper string players with neck and arm problems.

Upper string players face a very high risk of playing-related disorders. Based on a questionnaire and a physical examination, this study investigated if a typical musculoskeletal pattern emerges. It was found that the typical upper string musician shows problems with the neck, shoulders (with equal probability for left and right side, X2 = 0.53, p>0.05), right elbow (X2 = 4.80, p<0.05) and hand (X2 = 3.90, p<0.05), and fingers of the left hand (X2 = 9.53, p<0.01). This finding can be used to improve planning of preventive measures and therapeutic treatments.