Sensorimotor alterations in violinists/violists with neck pain

The aim of this research project was to determine the extent to which neck pain is present in violin/viola players and to investigate if fine motor control and dexterity are influenced by dysfunctions as such. This is important to know as impairments in dexterity are expected to have an impact on motor control in violin/viola playing and contribute to a decrease in performance excellence. Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) are a common problem in musicians. Growing evidence demonstrates that up to 80% of musicians experience pain within their musculoskeletal system during musical perform-Neck pain is a frequent complaint of violin and viola players. Between 20-28% of violin/viola players reported suffering from neck pain in studies investigating PRMD (Fishbein et al. 1988, Ackerman and Adams 2003). Neck pain is known to be associated with various changes in motor control. Impairment of deep cervical flexors is a common feature in neck pain and contributes to altered muscle activation patterns during various functional tasks of the head and shoulder region (Falla 2004a, 2004b). Additionally , there is evidence of sensory changes and sensorimotor alterations with