Prevention study on physical complaints in conservatory students.

Rationale:

Up to 87% of professional classical musicians develop work-related complaints of the musculoskeletal system during their career. Previous research has identified several risk factors associated with music playing related complaints in physical, psychological and behavioral domains. Conservatory students are at specific risk for developing musculoskeletal complaints and disabilities. Prevention programs seem to be a promising development, although research on specific programs is insufficient.



Objective:

The first study objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific prevention course on reducing and preventing disabilities from playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in Dutch conservatory students compared with a physical activity program. The second objective is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the abovementioned interventions.



Study design:

Multicentre, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.



Study population:

Healthy, first year conservatory students will be recruited for participation.



Intervention:

“Presto-Play” is a prevention course based on theoretical models of behavior change, which comprises education about music playing-related health problems, evidence-based prevention strategies and postural training. “Presto-Fit” is a physical activity program, directed at behavior change regarding physical activity behavior. In the latter program activity monitoring (by pedometry) is used to increase physical activity. Total duration of both programs is 18 hours in 8 months; lessons will start at beginning of year 1.



Main study parameters/endpoints:

Main study parameter is disability. A mediator and moderator analysis will be performed. Supposed mediators are self-efficacy, depression/anxiety/stress, coping, pain catastrophizing and perfectionism. Supposed moderators are expectancy & credibility, experiences with musculoskeletal complaints, hypermobility, and physical activity. Secondary endpoints are pain and quality of life. Parameters to measure behaviour change are based on awareness of musculoskeletal complaints in musicians, motivation for change, and effect factors such as disability. A fidelity check is integrated in the process evaluation.

Is a prevention program, based on principles of health behavior change, education about playing-related musculoskeletal disorders and postural training, more effective in preventing and/ or reducing disabilities from musculoskeletal complaints in conservatory students when compared with a physical activity program based on health behavior change using pedometer monitoring?

T0: Baseline (start school year 1 conservatory study);

T1: Week 10;

T2: Week 20;

T3: Post treatment (end school year 1);

T4: Follow-up: 16 months (start school year 3);

T5: Follow-up: 24 months (end school year 3).

1. Presto-Play;

2. Presto-Fit.



“Presto-Play” is a prevention course based on theoretical models of behavior change, which comprises education about music playing-related health problems, evidence-based prevention strategies and postural training.

“Presto-Fit” is a physical activity program, directed at behavior change regarding physical activity behavior. In the latter program activity monitoring (by pedometry) is used to increase physical activity. Total duration of both programs is 18 hours in 8 months; lessons will start at beginning of year 1.