Relação de sintomas musculoesqueléticos e intensidade da prática musical entre músicos durante a pandemia de COVID 19: um estudo descritivo

Abstract

Introduction: From the moment the COVID-19 disease took hold in the world, safety and prevention measures were taken, such as the use of a mask and physical distancing. These measures generated important changes in the routine of the population, including professional and amateur musicians. Objective: This descriptive questionnaire study was designed to: 1) investigate whether the pandemic has affected musical practice among musicians; 2) investigate whether the musicians remained motivated in their new routine; 3) identify the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the past; and 4) analyze whether musculoskeletal symptoms decreased, maintained or increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 89 musicians participated in an online survey from August 2020 to January 2021. The survey form included questions about motivation, frequency of musical practice, presence and characterization of musculoskeletal symptoms (Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptom Questionnaire). Musicians were asked to consider the periods before and during the pandemic to answer questions. Results: During the pandemic, the frequency of musical practice decreased (P<0.01), which may be associated with the individuals' perception of motivation. Musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months were reported by 58%. When comparing the period before the pandemic with the present, 35.3% of musicians reported that their musculoskeletal symptoms had not changed, while 33.3% reported that they had increased. Wrists and hands, lower and upper back, shoulders and neck were the body sites with the most frequent complaints among the volunteers. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the musical practice of the musicians evaluated in this study. There was a significant decrease in practice time. Musculoskeletal symptoms were present in this population before the pandemic and these symptoms were mostly maintained or exacerbated.