Content of a warm up programme for instrumental musicians: A Delphi study

Abstract

The role of warm up or physical exercise in the prevention of Playing Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PRMD) among instrumental musicians has been identified over the years. However, its role could not be ascertained probably due to the non – standardised practice and pattern of the warm up exercise and physical exercise. Stretching is usually considered as a physical warm up whereas the mode and type of stretching is not usually specified. The aim of this study is to determine the content of a warm up exercise programme for instrumental musicians. This is a Delphi study and it was conducted in three phases. Experts with experience in the field of music, research and managing injuries of the performing artists, were purposively selected to be members of the panel via the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) member directory. Seven experts in the performing arts medicine participated in the study. The content of the warm up program using the Delphi study includes stretching exercises and musical warm up prior to playing while strengthening and conditioning should be done thrice a week.

Key words:

physical exercise, musculoskeletal disorders, instrumental musicians

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