Abnormal PostureOPErANCT06758349
OPErA Orchestral Posture Egonomic Assessment
An observational study of Abnormal Posture, run by Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ETS at 1 site in Italy.
Trial summary
This is an observational study that will allow to understand if and how posture at the instrument can affect musician health and ability to work. The study will last 3 years during which the investigators will evaluate 250 orchestral players: all musical instruments will be included. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Abnormal Posture
- What is being tested?
- General questionnaire, Pain Questionnaire and Postural assessment without musical instrument in sitting position
- How many people
- 250 participants
- Where
- 1 siteItaly
- Study dates
- 5 May 2023to 1 Jun 2025
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: orchestral musicians playing symmetrical and asymmetrical musical instruments
Who may be able to join
- Professional musicians from major Italian orchestras
Who cannot join
- Pain associated with acute trauma
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Marina Ramella, Physiatrist doctor contact
Italy1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
IRCCS Santa Maria Nascente Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi
Milan, MI, 20148
Rosa Maria Converti, Physiatrist doctor, 0240308408, rmconverti@dongnocchi.it
Marina Ramella, Physiatrist doctor, 0240308408, mramella@dongnocchi.it
About this study
This is an observational study that will allow to understand if and how posture at the instrument can affect musician health and ability to work.
The study will last 3 years during which the investigators will evaluate 250 orchestral players: all musical instruments will be included. Postural assessments will be performed in the various venues of the participating orchestras.
Read more
The study participant, would initially answer a questionnaire that will investigate lifestyle habits (physical activity), professional activity (e.g. instrument played, hours of study/work, study methods) and general health (e.g. presence of pain with functional limitation at the present time or in the past, diagnosis of scoliosis).
The subsequent postural assessment will consist of two phases: phase 1 without an instrument in a sitting position, phase 2 with the musical instrument .
Disposable ECG electrodes will be applied to the skin and will serve as landmarks and will be removed at the end of the assessment.
In both phases, the Physical Analyzer Portable system will be used, which allows the acquisition of calibrated photographs and the subsequent processing of the data obtained through special software, calculating with numerical values the postural asymmetries between the right and left sides and the degrees of inclination of the trunk.
The execution of the planned assessments will take place in the constant presence and under the guidance and control of suitable and qualified personnel who will provide instructions on the activity to be carried out and assistance in case of any need.
The data obtained in this way will be correlated with the information collected with the questionnaire.
Improving musician posture awareness with the musical instrument could prevent the onset of pain and limitations in work activity.
In fact, the identification of risk factors for musculoskeletal pathologies in professional musicians (PRMDs) would allow the development of specific prevention and treatment programs and the development of a network of territorial services dedicated to the musicians themselves.
Read the detailed description
For musicians, movement takes on a particular significance as it allows them to express their creativity through their instrument. The sensation they convey to the audience is one of a body in perfect harmony and symbiosis with their instrument, seemingly free of muscular tension and pain. However, numerous musculoskeletal and neurological disorders afflict musicians, limiting their performance and sometimes forcing them to cease their professional activity. Musicians often tend to underestimate their problems, ignoring pain and symptoms that require care or rest.
In 1713, Bernardino Ramazzini was the first to describe an overview of occupational diseases affecting musicians. Zaza, on the other hand, was the first to introduce the term Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (PRMD) to define musculoskeletal afflictions as \"chronic, disabling personal health problems that affect the entire person physically, emotionally, and in terms of work and social aspects\".
Recent systematic reviews report a prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among musicians ranging from 57% to 68%, PRMDs from 9% to 68%, and one-time PRMDs from 62% to 93%. Fishbein highlighted that approximately 76% of members of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) experienced at least one medical issue in their career that compromised their performance.
To find effective solutions for preventing the development of PRMDs or minimizing their impact, it is essential to first identify the main risk factors. The most frequently cited factors in the development of PRMDs include gender, age, professional status and years of experience, type of instrument, repertoire, individual technique, long hours of practice with insufficient breaks, poor physical condition, muscle fatigue, lack of preventive behaviours, and previous injuries. Additionally, several studies have revealed a correlation between the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and psychological stress factors (anxiety and stress, depression, and perfectionism). The weight of the instrument and the imposed posture may also influence the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among musicians.
Many researchers confirm that prolonged adoption of forced body positions required to play a specific instrument increases the likelihood of overloading the osteo-artro-neuromuscular system. However, few researchers have attempted to clarify the influence of playing classical musical instruments on posture. On average, a musician plays 1300 hours per year in an ergonomically unfavourable position. Instruments that require different positions and playing techniques are associated with varying prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. A study conducted among conservatory students highlighted a high prevalence of postural alterations without the instrument (66.2%) and a non-optimal posture with the instrument in 73.4% of cases. Instruments that impose asymmetrical postures, such as the violin, viola, and flute, were found to be the main risk factors for incongruent postures.
Musicians who play with their arms above the scapulo-humeral plane are also more prone to suffer from PRMDs in the upper limb compared to those who play in a neutral position. Correcting these conditions, which represent one of the main risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders in workers, depends on understanding the influencing factors and implementing an appropriate therapeutic and preventive approach.
Regarding the ergonomic risk assessment in orchestra musicians, recent reviews have highlighted that there are few publications on this subject. There is more information available on questionnaires used to assess symptoms reported by musicians due to inflammatory processes and musculoskeletal disorders, such as the \"Standardized Nordic Questionnaire\"; the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), and the MPIIQM (Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians).
The objectives of the study on a sample of orchestra musicians are:
- To study the prevalence of abnormal posture with and without instruments and describe them quantitatively.
- To investigate whether and which abnormal posture are associated with pain and PRMDs.
- To identify any risk factors for the development of abnormal posture, pain, and PRMDs.
- To study the impact of abnormal posture and PRMDs on professional life. If the study hypothesis is confirmed, it would demonstrate the high prevalence of abnormal posture among professional musicians and the significant impact on their performance and professional activity. Another effect would be raising awareness among professional musicians about the physical stresses they are exposed to and the disorders they may develop, which are still often misunderstood and underestimated by the musicians themselves.
Confirming our hypothesis would concurrently lead to an enhancement of the ongoing activities.
- Conditions
- Abnormal Posture
- Being tested
- General questionnaire, Pain Questionnaire, Postural assessment without musical instrument in sitting position, Postural assessment with the instrument in sitting position.
- Keywords
- Abnormal posture, Musician, Pain, functional limitation
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
General questionnaireOther
Demographic, medical history, and musical activity data will be collected using a specifically designed questionnaire
Pain QuestionnaireOther
Questionnaire that evaluate pain and functional limitation during last week, last six months e during the carrier.
The impact of painful symptoms on professional and non-professional activities , during the last week, will be assessed using the QuickDASH scale for the upper limb, the Modified Oswestry Low Back Disability Index for low back pain, and the Neck Disability Index questionnaire for cervico-dorsalgia
Postural assessment without musical instrument in sitting positionOther
Postural assessment without the instrument in a sitting position. Disposable ECG electrodes will be applied to the following anatomical landmarks: Spinous process C7 (C7), Right shoulder acromion (RS), Left shoulder acromion (LS), Right scapula inferior angle (RIA), Left scapula inferior angle (LIA), Spinous process L3 (L3), Intergluteal line (IG), vertex. The Physical Analyzer Portable will be used: a non-invasive, portable device that allows calibrated photo acquisition on the frontal and sagittal planes and subsequent data processing through dedicated software. On frontal plane they will be calculated: Trunk inclination, Head-neck inclination, Right and left shoulder height, Right and left shoulder width, right and left scapula-rachis distance. On sagittal plane they will be calculated: cervical and lumbar arrow, right and left shoulder distance.
Postural assessment with the instrument in sitting position.Other
Postural assessment with the instrument in a sitting position. Disposable ECG electrodes will be applied to the following anatomical landmarks: Spinous process C7 (C7), Right shoulder acromion (RS), Left shoulder acromion (LS), Right scapula inferior angle (RIA), Left scapula inferior angle (LIA), Spinous process L3 (L3), Intergluteal line (IG), vertex. The Physical Analyzer Portable will be used: a non-invasive, portable device that allows calibrated photo acquisition on the frontal and sagittal planes and subsequent data processing through dedicated software. On frontal plane they will be calculated: Trunk inclination, Head-neck inclination, Right and left shoulder height, Right and left shoulder width, right and left scapula-rachis distance. On sagittal plane they will be calculated: cervical and lumbar arrow, right and left shoulder distance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Orchestral musicians | The enrolled sample will consist of 250 professional musicians from major Italian orchestras. Receives: Other: General questionnaire; Other: Pain Questionnaire; Other: Postural assessment without musical instrument in sitting position; Other: Postural assessment with the instrument in sitting position. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain, Limitation and Posture last week
The investigators will evaluate if there is a correlation between pain with and without functional limitation with the following measure: trunk inclination, cervical inclination, dorsal curve, lumbar curve , right shoulder position, right shoulder height, right scapulae, left shoulder position, left shoulder height, left scapulae last week before the assessment
Measured: the week prior to the assessment
Pain, Limitation and Posture last six months
The investigators will evaluate if there is a correlation between pain with and without functional limitation with the following measure: trunk inclination, cervical inclination, dorsal curve, lumbar curve , right shoulder position, right shoulder height, right scapulae, left shoulder position, left shoulder height, left scapulae during the last 6 months before the assessment
Measured: the six months prior to the assessment
Secondary outcomes (17)
Prevalance of pain without functional limitation during last week
The investigators will calculate the prevalance of pain without functional limitation for the week prior to the assessment using questionnaire data
Measured: the week prior to the assessment
Prevalence of pain without functional limitation during last six months
The investigators will calculate the prevalance of pain without functional limitation for the six months prior to the assessment using questionnaire data.
Measured: the six months prior to the assessment
Prevalance of pain with functional limitation during last week
The investigators will calculate the prevalance of pain with functional limitation for the week prior to the assessment using questionnaire data
Measured: the week prior to the assessment
Prevalence of pain with functional limitation during last six months
The investigators will calculate the prevalance of pain with functional limitation for the six months prior to the assessment using questionnaire data.
Measured: the six months prior to the assessment
Pain with o without functional limitation during last week and personal and playing habit
The investigators will evaluate if there is a correlation between the "prevalance of pain with and without functional limitation during last week" with the personal and playing habits collected with the questionnaire.
Measured: the week prior to the assessment
Pain with o without functional limitation during last six months week and personal and playing habit
The investigators will evaluate if there is a correlation between the "prevalance of pain with and without functional limitation during last six months" with the personal and playing habits collected with the questionnaire.
Measured: the six months prior to the assessment
Degrees of Trunk Rotation (TR)
The investigators will calculate in degrees the difference between trunk rotation with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Degrees of Trunk Inclination (TI)
The investigators will calculate in degrees the difference between trunk inclination with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Degrees of Cervical Inclination (CI)
The investigators will calculate in degrees the difference between cervical inclination with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Right shoulder vertical shift
The investigators will calculate in millimeters the difference between right shoulder height with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Left shoulder vertical shift
The investigators will calculate in millimeters the difference between left shoulder height with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Right shoulder sagittal shift
The investigators will calculate in millimeters the difference between right shoulder position on sagittal plane with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Left shoulder sagittal shift
The investigators will calculate in millimeters the difference between left shoulder position on sagittal plane with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Right Scapula lateral shift
The investigators will calculate in millimeters the difference between right scapula position with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Left scapula lateral shift
The investigators will calculate in millimeters the difference between left scapula position with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Dorsal curve change
The investigators will calculate in millimeters the difference between dorsal curve with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Lumbar curve change
The investigators will calculate in millimeters the difference between lombar curve with and without musical instrument measured by the Physical Analyzer Portable .
Measured: at the assessment time
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Jan 2025
- Study start5 May 2023
- Primary completion1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Abnormal PostureStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 250 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ETS
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06758349
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 09_16/12/2022
- Acronym
- OPErA
- Status last verified
- Nov 2024
- First submitted
- 12 Jul 2024
- Last updated
- 3 Jan 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Ramella M, Fronte F, Converti RM. Postural disorders in conservatory students: the Diesis project. Med Probl Perform Art. 2014 Mar;29(1):19-22. doi: 10.21091/mppa.2014.1005.
PubMed 24647457undefined
Steinmetz A, Scheffer I, Esmer E, Delank KS, Peroz I. Frequency, severity and predictors of playing-related musculoskeletal pain in professional orchestral musicians in Germany. Clin Rheumatol. 2015 May;34(5):965-73. doi: 10.1007/s10067-013-2470-5. Epub 2014 Jan 5.
PubMed 24389813Kok LM, Huisstede BM, Voorn VM, Schoones JW, Nelissen RG. The occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints among professional musicians: a systematic review. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2016 Apr;89(3):373-96. doi: 10.1007/s00420-015-1090-6. Epub 2015 Nov 12.
PubMed 26563718Cruder C, Barbero M, Koufaki P, Soldini E, Gleeson N. Prevalence and associated factors of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders among music students in Europe. Baseline findings from the Risk of Music Students (RISMUS) longitudinal multicentre study. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 9;15(12):e0242660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242660. eCollection 2020.
PubMed 33296381Zaza C, Charles C, Muszynski A. The meaning of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders to classical musicians. Soc Sci Med. 1998 Dec;47(12):2013-23. doi: 10.1016/s0277-9536(98)00307-4.
PubMed 10075243Consentino C, Ramella M, Da Pian S, Gastaldelli A, Battain PC, Converti RM. Quantitative Postural Evaluation in Orchestral Musicians (the OPErA Project): Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2026 Jun 22;15:e81885. doi: 10.2196/81885.
PubMed 42330541
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Jan 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- OPErA Orchestral Posture Egonomic Assessment
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06758349
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- OPErA / 09_16/12/2022
- Conditions
- Abnormal Posture
- Keywords
- Abnormal posture, Musician, Pain, functional limitation
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 250 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ETSUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 May 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 3 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This is an observational study that will allow to understand if and how posture at the instrument can affect musician health and ability to work.
The study will last 3 years during which the investigators will evaluate 250 orchestral players: all musical instruments will be included. Postural assessments will be performed in the various venues of the participating orchestras.
The study participant, would initially answer a questionnaire that will investigate lifestyle habits (physical activity), professional activity (e.g. instrument played, hours of study/work, study methods) and general health (e.g. presence of pain with functional limitation at the present time or in the past, diagnosis of scoliosis).
The subsequent postural assessment will consist of two phases: phase 1 without an instrument in a sitting position, phase 2 with the musical instrument .
Disposable ECG electrodes will be applied to the skin and will serve as landmarks and will be removed at the end of the assessment.
In both phases, the Physical Analyzer Portable system will be used, which allows the acquisition of calibrated photographs and the subsequent processing of the data obtained through special software, calculating with numerical values the postural asymmetries between the right and left sides and the degrees of inclination of the trunk.
The execution of the planned assessments will take place in the constant presence and under the guidance and control of suitable and qualified personnel who will provide instructions on the activity to be carried out and assistance in case of any need.
The data obtained in this way will be correlated with the information collected with the questionnaire.
Improving musician posture awareness with the musical instrument could prevent the onset of pain and limitations in work activity.
In fact, the identification of risk factors for musculoskeletal pathologies in professional musicians (PRMDs) would allow the development of specific prevention and treatment programs and the development of a network of territorial services dedicated to the musicians themselves.
Detailed description
For musicians, movement takes on a particular significance as it allows them to express their creativity through their instrument. The sensation they convey to the audience is one of a body in perfect harmony and symbiosis with their instrument, seemingly free of muscular tension and pain. However, numerous musculoskeletal and neurological disorders afflict musicians, limiting their performance and sometimes forcing them to cease their professional activity. Musicians often tend to underestimate their problems, ignoring pain and symptoms that require care or rest.
In 1713, Bernardino Ramazzini was the first to describe an overview of occupational diseases affecting musicians. Zaza, on the other hand, was the first to introduce the term Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (PRMD) to define musculoskeletal afflictions as \"chronic, disabling personal health problems that affect the entire person physically, emotionally, and in terms of work and social aspects\".
Recent systematic reviews report a prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among musicians ranging from 57% to 68%, PRMDs from 9% to 68%, and one-time PRMDs from 62% to 93%. Fishbein highlighted that approximately 76% of members of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) experienced at least one medical issue in their career that compromised their performance.
To find effective solutions for preventing the development of PRMDs or minimizing their impact, it is essential to first identify the main risk factors. The most frequently cited factors in the development of PRMDs include gender, age, professional status and years of experience, type of instrument, repertoire, individual technique, long hours of practice with insufficient breaks, poor physical condition, muscle fatigue, lack of preventive behaviours, and previous injuries. Additionally, several studies have revealed a correlation between the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and psychological stress factors (anxiety and stress, depression, and perfectionism). The weight of the instrument and the imposed posture may also influence the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among musicians.
Many researchers confirm that prolonged adoption of forced body positions required to play a specific instrument increases the likelihood of overloading the osteo-artro-neuromuscular system. However, few researchers have attempted to clarify the influence of playing classical musical instruments on posture. On average, a musician plays 1300 hours per year in an ergonomically unfavourable position. Instruments that require different positions and playing techniques are associated with varying prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. A study conducted among conservatory students highlighted a high prevalence of postural alterations without the instrument (66.2%) and a non-optimal posture with the instrument in 73.4% of cases. Instruments that impose asymmetrical postures, such as the violin, viola, and flute, were found to be the main risk factors for incongruent postures.
Musicians who play with their arms above the scapulo-humeral plane are also more prone to suffer from PRMDs in the upper limb compared to those who play in a neutral position. Correcting these conditions, which represent one of the main risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders in workers, depends on understanding the influencing factors and implementing an appropriate therapeutic and preventive approach.
Regarding the ergonomic risk assessment in orchestra musicians, recent reviews have highlighted that there are few publications on this subject. There is more information available on questionnaires used to assess symptoms reported by musicians due to inflammatory processes and musculoskeletal disorders, such as the \"Standardized Nordic Questionnaire\"; the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), and the MPIIQM (Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians).
The objectives of the study on a sample of orchestra musicians are:
- To study the prevalence of abnormal posture with and without instruments and describe them quantitatively.
- To investigate whether and which abnormal posture are associated with pain and PRMDs.
- To identify any risk factors for the development of abnormal posture, pain, and PRMDs.
- To study the impact of abnormal posture and PRMDs on professional life. If the study hypothesis is confirmed, it would demonstrate the high prevalence of abnormal posture among professional musicians and the significant impact on their performance and professional activity. Another effect would be raising awareness among professional musicians about the physical stresses they are exposed to and the disorders they may develop, which are still often misunderstood and underestimated by the musicians themselves.
Confirming our hypothesis would concurrently lead to an enhancement of the ongoing activities.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Orchestral musicians | – | Other: General questionnaire, Other: Pain Questionnaire, Other: Postural assessment without musical instrument in sitting position, Other: Postural assessment with the instrument in sitting position.The enrolled sample will consist of 250 professional musicians from major Italian orchestras. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- orchestral musicians playing symmetrical and asymmetrical musical instruments
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Professional musicians from major Italian orchestras
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Pain associated with acute trauma
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| General questionnaireDemographic, medical history, and musical activity data will be collected using a specifically designed questionnaire | Other | Orchestral musicians |
| Pain QuestionnaireQuestionnaire that evaluate pain and functional limitation during last week, last six months e during the carrier. The impact of painful symptoms on professional and non-professional activities , during the last week, will be assessed using the QuickDASH scale for the upper limb, the Modified Oswestry Low Back Disability Index for low back pain, and the Neck Disability Index questionnaire for cervico-dorsalgia | Other | Orchestral musicians |
| Postural assessment without musical instrument in sitting positionPostural assessment without the instrument in a sitting position. Disposable ECG electrodes will be applied to the following anatomical landmarks: Spinous process C7 (C7), Right shoulder acromion (RS), Left shoulder acromion (LS), Right scapula inferior angle (RIA), Left scapula inferior angle (LIA), Spinous process L3 (L3), Intergluteal line (IG), vertex. The Physical Analyzer Portable will be used: a non-invasive, portable device that allows calibrated photo acquisition on the frontal and sagittal planes and subsequent data processing through dedicated software. On frontal plane they will be calculated: Trunk inclination, Head-neck inclination, Right and left shoulder height, Right and left shoulder width, right and left scapula-rachis distance. On sagittal plane they will be calculated: cervical and lumbar arrow, right and left shoulder distance. | Other | Orchestral musicians |
| Postural assessment with the instrument in sitting position.Postural assessment with the instrument in a sitting position. Disposable ECG electrodes will be applied to the following anatomical landmarks: Spinous process C7 (C7), Right shoulder acromion (RS), Left shoulder acromion (LS), Right scapula inferior angle (RIA), Left scapula inferior angle (LIA), Spinous process L3 (L3), Intergluteal line (IG), vertex. The Physical Analyzer Portable will be used: a non-invasive, portable device that allows calibrated photo acquisition on the frontal and sagittal planes and subsequent data processing through dedicated software. On frontal plane they will be calculated: Trunk inclination, Head-neck inclination, Right and left shoulder height, Right and left shoulder width, right and left scapula-rachis distance. On sagittal plane they will be calculated: cervical and lumbar arrow, right and left shoulder distance. | Other | Orchestral musicians |
Primary outcome
Pain, Limitation and Posture last week
Time frame: the week prior to the assessment
The investigators will evaluate if there is a correlation between pain with and without functional limitation with the following measure: trunk inclination, cervical inclination, dorsal curve, lumbar curve , right shoulder position, right shoulder height, right scapulae, left shoulder position, left shoulder height, left scapulae last week before the assessment
Pain, Limitation and Posture last six months
Time frame: the six months prior to the assessment
The investigators will evaluate if there is a correlation between pain with and without functional limitation with the following measure: trunk inclination, cervical inclination, dorsal curve, lumbar curve , right shoulder position, right shoulder height, right scapulae, left shoulder position, left shoulder height, left scapulae during the last 6 months before the assessment
17 secondary outcomes
Prevalance of pain without functional limitation during last week
Time frame: the week prior to the assessment
Prevalence of pain without functional limitation during last six months
Time frame: the six months prior to the assessment
Prevalance of pain with functional limitation during last week
Time frame: the week prior to the assessment
Prevalence of pain with functional limitation during last six months
Time frame: the six months prior to the assessment
Pain with o without functional limitation during last week and personal and playing habit
Time frame: the week prior to the assessment
Pain with o without functional limitation during last six months week and personal and playing habit
Time frame: the six months prior to the assessment
Degrees of Trunk Rotation (TR)
Time frame: at the assessment time
Degrees of Trunk Inclination (TI)
Time frame: at the assessment time
Degrees of Cervical Inclination (CI)
Time frame: at the assessment time
Right shoulder vertical shift
Time frame: at the assessment time
Left shoulder vertical shift
Time frame: at the assessment time
Right shoulder sagittal shift
Time frame: at the assessment time
Left shoulder sagittal shift
Time frame: at the assessment time
Right Scapula lateral shift
Time frame: at the assessment time
Left scapula lateral shift
Time frame: at the assessment time
Dorsal curve change
Time frame: at the assessment time
Lumbar curve change
Time frame: at the assessment time
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Jan 2025.
- Background: PubMed 24647457Ramella M, Fronte F, Converti RM. Postural disorders in conservatory students: the Diesis project. Med Probl Perform Art. 2014 Mar;29(1):19-22. doi: 10.21091/mppa.2014.1005.
- Backgroundundefined
- Background: PubMed 24389813Steinmetz A, Scheffer I, Esmer E, Delank KS, Peroz I. Frequency, severity and predictors of playing-related musculoskeletal pain in professional orchestral musicians in Germany. Clin Rheumatol. 2015 May;34(5):965-73. doi: 10.1007/s10067-013-2470-5. Epub 2014 Jan 5.
- Background: PubMed 26563718Kok LM, Huisstede BM, Voorn VM, Schoones JW, Nelissen RG. The occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints among professional musicians: a systematic review. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2016 Apr;89(3):373-96. doi: 10.1007/s00420-015-1090-6. Epub 2015 Nov 12.
- Background: PubMed 33296381Cruder C, Barbero M, Koufaki P, Soldini E, Gleeson N. Prevalence and associated factors of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders among music students in Europe. Baseline findings from the Risk of Music Students (RISMUS) longitudinal multicentre study. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 9;15(12):e0242660. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242660. eCollection 2020.
- Background: PubMed 10075243Zaza C, Charles C, Muszynski A. The meaning of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders to classical musicians. Soc Sci Med. 1998 Dec;47(12):2013-23. doi: 10.1016/s0277-9536(98)00307-4.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42330541Consentino C, Ramella M, Da Pian S, Gastaldelli A, Battain PC, Converti RM. Quantitative Postural Evaluation in Orchestral Musicians (the OPErA Project): Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2026 Jun 22;15:e81885. doi: 10.2196/81885.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Marina Ramella, Physiatrist doctor contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Abnormal Posture, run by Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ETS at 1 site in Italy.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Jan 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Rosa Maria Converti, Physiatrist doctor (0240308408, rmconverti@dongnocchi.it), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain, Limitation and Posture last week (time frame: the week prior to the assessment). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06758349, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Jan 2025.