The prevalence of playing-related injuries in collegiate violinists and the physical, emotional, and mental effects of ELDOA

Abstract

This exploratory study was designed to investigate the effects of ELDOA (Etirements Longitudinaux avec Decoaptation Osteo-Articulaire), an exercise series designed by osteopath Guy Voyer, on the perceived pain of collegiate violinists. The researcher created a pre-survey and a post-survey based off of previous surveys constructed by Kuorinka, B et al. (1987); Abréu-Ramos and Micheo (2007); Britsch (2005); Cooper, Hamann and Frost (2012); Fishbein, Middlestadt, Ottati, Straus, and Ellis (1988); Guptill and Zaza (2010); Russell (2006); Rardin (2007); Russell and Bendetto (2014); and Kreutz, Ginsborg, and Williamon (2009).

Sixteen graduate and undergraduate students ranging from ages 18 to 23 participated in the study during the spring semester of the 2014-2015 academic school year. After completing the pre-survey participants were required to attend at least eight ELDOA classes which are funded by Project Jumpstart at Indiana University’s the Jacobs School of Music. Once a minimum of eight classes were complete the participants filled out a post-survey.

The pre- and post-survey analysis identified that pain was most prevalent in the upper left side of the body. Students were affected not only physically but emotionally and mentally. Themes that emerged included increased flexibility, increased range of motion, lessened anxiety, and release of physical tension.