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OUR RESEARCH

Are biomechanics of playing style correlated with the prevalence of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) and if so, how?

Performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are a set of disorders that affect musicians. Although prevalence rates differ across studies and different populations of instrumentalists, one estimate of lifetime prevalence in professional musicians is 62-93%  (Kok, Huisstede, Voorn, Schoones, & Nelissen, 2016). Previous research has investigated the prevalence of PRMDs and possible risk factors, but little discusses the biomechanical correlates, especially those of the hand and fingers, of PRMDs, particularly in guitarists. Investigating such correlates could contribute to the scientific knowledge of PRMDs and offer potential directions to consider in treatment and prevention. In addition to potentially contributing to prevention and treatment methods, our research aims to provide a more comprehensive definition of PRMDs, which currently lack a specific operational definition. This lack of a specific definition creates variation across studies and reduces the ability of researchers to generalize their results (Bragge, Bialocerkowski, & McMeeken, 2005).

YEAR
One

SPRING 2018

  • Team Formation

  • Get to know team members

  • Establish team roles

  • Begin gathering sources

YEAR
Three

FALL 2019

  • Conduct research

SPRING 2020

  • Conduct research

  • Present at DO GOOD Day

  • Present at Undergraduate Research Day

YEAR
Two

FALL 2018

  • Establish team norms

  • Weekly meetings with Dr. Shim

  • Compile sources for Outline, Prospectus, and Team Proposal

  • Begin establishing methodology

SPRING 2019

  • Defend Thesis Proposal

  • Apply for grants/funds

YEAR
Four

FALL 2020

  • Conduct research

SPRING 2021

  • Submit Final Thesis

  • Present at Thesis Conference

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