Head and scapular posture in flutists: a pilot controlled study

Abstract

Instrumental practice which requires asymmetrical postures might, in the long term, potentiate musculoskeletal disorders and lead to pain. This, in turn, may have a negative impact on musical performance quality. Thus, the assessment of postural deviations among musicians is of the outmost importance in instrumental pedagogy. This study aims to compare the head and scapular posture of flutists with different levels of expertise and a control group of singers. Results suggest that flutists have a significantly more forward head posture than singers. No significant differences were found for any other head or scapular posture measurement. Contrary to what was hypothesized, years of instrumental practice did not contribute to a more asymmetrical posture.