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Upper limb discomfort and its impact on the occupational performance of Maltese piano-players  


Abstract Category: Science
Course / Degree: BSc(Hons) Occupational Therapy
Institution / University: University of Malta, Malta
Published in: 2003


Thesis Abstract / Summary:

Research data 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: 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, as well as how this is impacting on the piano-players’ occupational performance. Three research tools were used - 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. The piano-players who had these limitations were thus experiencing various negative feelings, concerns, and lifestyle changes. These 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. Finally, various recommendations including further research, prevention programmes, and alterations in performance contexts were put forward so as to safeguard the wellbeing of local musicians.


Thesis Keywords/Search Tags:
upper limb discomfort; occupational performance; piano-players

This Thesis Abstract may be cited as follows:
Farrugia M D (2003). Upper limb discomfort and its impact on the occupational performance of Maltese piano-players. BSc(Hons) thesis, University of Malta.


Submission Details: Thesis Abstract submitted by Maria Daniela Farrugia from Malta on 02-Oct-2005 20:29.
Abstract has been viewed 2535 times (since 7 Mar 2010).

Maria Daniela Farrugia Contact Details: Email: mdaniela@onvol.net



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