Tuba Playing and Health

Playing a musical instrument involves complex motor skills. The daily training loads on the musculoskeletal systems of the body
from playing the tuba at an elite level can be compared with those of elite athletes[1]. Complaints that result from playing an
instrument are called performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs)[2, 3]. Not many of those are known in tuba players.
Yet, a high percentage (84%) of professional orchestral musicians experience performance-impairing pain [3]. In tuba playing, it is
not only the challenge of holding and stabilizing the heavy instrument, it is also awkward postures, the duration of the many daily
hours of practicing time and the repetitive physical loads that might increase the risk for those complaints. Although these aspects
sound similar to sports related complaints/injuries, the perspectives of prevention, health promotion and therapy management are [...]