First Advisor
Hall, James
Document Type
Dissertation
Date Created
5-2018
Department
College of Performing and Visual Arts, Music, Music Student Work
Abstract
In music, overuse injury is a common problem that is insufficiently addressed by many instrumentalists. Research has shown a significant number of flutists have suffered from overuse-related injuries. If flutists become cognizant of the anatomy, alignment, and function in their fingers, hands, and wrists, they will recognize how practicing wisely can prevent injuries. By incorporating informed, preventative measures into practice routines, the need for treatment is unnecessary or minimized. However, in current literature, there is a lack of research pertaining to physical causes and prevention of overuse injuries for this population and this issue. In this dissertation, the author delves in to the mechanical organization of the flutists’ hand and wrist to investigate how the anatomy of involved muscles and tendons work during flute playing. This is followed by an analysis of the physical causes of overuse injuries on these body parts. This project also introduces a framework for practice routines, which target every muscle group used for playing the flute, and suggests methods to improve hand and wrist strength and flexibility based on the training models of professional athletes. Through the combination of these aspects it is possible to lower the risk of flutists developing practice-related injuries.
Extent
95 pages
Local Identifiers
Jing_unco_0161D_10636
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Recommended Citation
Jing, Xin, "Hand and Wrist Overuse Injuries in Flutists: Physical Causes and Prevention" (2018). Dissertations. 525.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations/525