Investigation of The Relationship Between Upper Extremity Function in String Instrument Performers and Shoulder Proprioception, Posture, Hypermobility and Performance Anxiety

Work-related musculoskeletal problems are seen in many professions, including musicians. Musculoskeletal problems related to playing are defined as any weakness, numbness, pain, tingling, or other symptoms that affect a musician's ability to play a musical instrument at their usual level. Given the high workload on the upper extremities, it is likely that neurological and musculoskeletal changes and/or dysfunctions are more common in musicians. Prolonged static activity and overuse of the trunk and proximal upper extremity muscles in musicians also frequently affect upper extremity function. Nerve compression syndromes affecting the median and ulnar nerves or thoracic outlet affect many musicians. Focal dystonias seen in musicians can affect the muscles that make up part or all of one hand. Studies evaluating musculoskeletal problems and upper extremity function in instrumentalists are limited in the literature. The aim of our study is to investigate the factors affecting upper extremity function in stringed instrument performers within a group of musicians, to compare them with a group that does not play any musical instrument, and to contribute the results to the literature. A total of 68 participants will be included in the study on a voluntary basis, comprising a stringed instrument performer group (n=34) and a control group not playing any musical instrument (n=34). Upper extremity function will be assessed using the Health Throw Test, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire and hand dynamometer, musculoskeletal system with the Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire, performance anxiety with the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory, pain with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), hypermobility with the Beighton Scoring System for Hypermobility and the Upper Extremity Hypermobility Questionnaire, reaction time with the Nelson Hand Reaction Test, coordination using the Touching Discs Test, posture using the Apecs-AI Posture Assessment and Correction System® (Apecs) application, shoulder proprioception using a goniometer, upper extremity balance using the Y Balance Test, and shoulder girdle endurance and stabilisation using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test.

NCT Number	NCT07202130
Lead Sponsor	Firat University
Conditions	Upper Extremity Function, Shoulder Proprioception
Enrollment	68 participants
Start Date	2025-09-25
Primary Completion	2025-12-25 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-02-05 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-10-01