Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain among Manual Drummers and Electric Pad Drummers

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal problems exists almost in every areas that cause pain, disability and loss of employment . Although performing arts medicine is a growing field, the health problems of musicians remain under-recognized and under-researched. In order to play their instrument, musicians need to frequently repeat physically strenuous movements which has a dramatic impact on physical mobility and function. Musculoskeletal problems among instrumental musicians are common which occurs in both men and women. This study examines professionals who play musical instruments especially drums who are potentially at risk of developing problems, including pain and injuries related to their playing activities.

Objective: To find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among manual drummers and electric pad drummers.

Study Design: Observational study design, comparative type.

Procedure: 60 subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and among them 30 manual drummers and 30 electric pad drummers were seggregated into two groups, aged between 15-35 years of both men and women were given a format of Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity And Pain Interference Questionnaire for Musicians (MPIPIQM) which depicts the prevalence of both pain intensity and interference of drummers.

Results: Results were analysed the IBM SPSS version 20 software. The statistical tool used in the study was the WILLCOXON SIGNED RANKS TEST to compare both the group data which gives the mean value of 5.45 for manual drummers and the mean value of 1.97 for the electric pad drummers pain intensity and interference score.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the manual drummers have more pronounced musculoskeletal pain intensity and interference when compared to that of the electric pad drummers.