ArticleBMJ open2026
Understanding self-management and digital health needs in musicians with playing-related musculoskeletal disorders: an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study.
Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectivesTo explore the characteristics of musicians with current or previous troubling musculoskeletal symptoms associated with musician self-limitation of activity (often referred to as playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMSDs)), barriers and facilitators to PRMSD self-management, health needs and perspectives on digital health interventions (DHIs). The purpose of the study was to understand the unique needs of this population to effectively inform future DHIs to support this community.
designA mixed-methods study comprising an online survey and four online focus groups (2-3 participants per group). Survey data were analysed statistically, and focus group discussions were analysed thematically.
settingOnline survey and focus groups conducted via Zoom.
participantsUK-based musicians with current or previous PRMSDs.
resultsA total of 100 musicians participated in the survey study, and 10 musicians participated in the focus group study. Over a third (38%, n=38) of participants had experienced musculoskeletal symptoms that interfered with their ability to play at their usual level 0-2 times in the last 5 years, 24% (n=24) reported 3-5 episodes, and 38% (n=38) had experienced them more than five times. The majority of participants (67%, n=67) continued playing music while experiencing these symptoms. Several barriers to self-management were identified, including limited music-specific health education during training, financial and time constraints and insufficient accessible resources. Key facilitators and health needs included healthcare professionals who understood musicians' professional demands and performance pressures, personalised instrument-specific health support, peer support from fellow musicians and accessible digital resources including self-assessment tools, automated reminders, health tracking, motivational features, peer support forums and multimedia resources organised by condition or symptom stage. Addressing these needs could enable musicians to better manage their symptoms, maintain playing activity and make informed decisions about when and how to seek help.
conclusionThis study reveals unmet health needs in musicians and offers recommendations for designing DHIs that promote musicians' health and well-being. Key design recommendations include personalisation by instrument type, health tracking, peer support and consolidated multimedia resources. These findings can inform both intervention design and policy development to better support this population.
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