| Sub-title | |
| Author | Maria Daniela Farrugia |
| Abstract | Research indicates that piano-players experience upper limb discomfort. However, no research has ever been conducted on local piano-players. This small-scale research study was set up to explore three main aspects of this issue: whether local piano-players who are pursuing advanced piano studies experience playing-related upper limb discomfort; the types, locations, and severity of the experienced discomfort; and, whether this discomfort impacts on the piano-players occupational performance. Three research tools were used including a self-administered questionnaire, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and a semi-structured interview. These provided both quantitative and qualitative data. The results demonstrated that 65.3% of a snowball sample of 72 respondents experienced upper limb discomfort which they perceived to be due to piano-playing, with pain being the commonest discomfort. When the discomfort was relatively severe, it caused limitations and imposed changes on the three performance areas of self-care, productivity and leisure. Piano-players with these limitations experienced various negative feelings, concerns, and lifestyle changes which in turn resulted in a decrease in the satisfaction obtained from occupational performance. In conclusion, this study has brought to light a health problem in a specialised section of the Maltese population. Recommendations for further research, prevention programmes, and alterations in performance contexts are proposed so as to safeguard the well-being of local musicians. |
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| Journal | B.Sc. (Honours) Occupational Therapy, University of Malta |
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| Pages | - |
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| Key words | occupational therapy, performance, piano players, upper limb, discomfort |