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Epidemiologic Survey of a Unique Type of Task-Specific Dystonia in Brass Musicians

Brass musicians are known to experience a performance problem that is sometimes called valsalva maneuver or musical stuttering. This problem is known to cause difficulty starting a first note, tension in the throat, and tightness in the chest. Unfortunately, the research literature lacks sufficient details for evidence-based interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to characterize and define this performance problem as experienced by brass musicians. An online epidemiologic survey was developed and deployed to collect data from brass musicians who have experienced this problem in their own playing. The survey was designed to acquire data in order to characterize and define the phenomenon through a biopsychosocial framework. The survey was also designed to assess whether this problem aligns with Altenmuller's heuristic model of motor control disruptions. A diverse group of brass musicians (n = 252) participated and offered relevant details for characterizing and defining this problem. Analysis of characteristic data suggests this problem is not a form of musical stuttering. Considering these data through Altenmuller's model suggests that this problem is experienced as a spectrum of motor disruptions that can develop into a unique type of musician's dystonia. While additional research is warranted, the results of this study are applicable to brass musicians, brass pedagogues, music educators, and performing arts health clinicians.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1752339
Date12 1900
CreatorsWallace, Eric (Trombonist)
ContributorsBaker, Tony (Trombonist), Chesky, Kris S., Surve, Sajid, Menard, Steven
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formatxii, 131 pages : illustrations, Text
RightsPublic, Wallace, Eric (Trombonist), Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved.
RelationRecital: April 17, 2014, ark:/67531/metadc802024, Recital: November 21, 2014, ark:/67531/metadc948562, Recital: April 7, 2016, not yet digitized

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