A pilot population-based telephone survey was performed to obtain estimates
of the number of people playing musical instruments and of the prevalence
of hand, arm, and neck pain of musicians. Of the 954 respondents, 209 (21.9
%, 95% confidence interval of 18.9-24.9%) indicated that they played musica
l instruments. Of those who played instruments, keyboards (44.8%, CI 35.6-5
4.0%) and guitar (28.1%, CI 20.8-35.8%) were by far the most commonly playe
d instruments. Of those respondents who played instruments, 35.3% indicated
that they played 5 hours or more a week, with 9.1% playing 20 hours or mor
e. Overall, 29% (CI 21.4-37.0%) of all musicians indicated significant pain
. The highest rates were among those who played 5-9 hours per week (48%), f
ollowed by 20 hours or more (42%), 0-4 hours (24%), and 10-19 hours (18%).
The study indicates that playing a musical instrument may be second only to
computer use in prevalence as a possible risk factor for cumulative trauma
disorder, and that more extensive research is needed.