Adaptations for Trombone Performance: Ergonomic Interventions
Performing arts health care practitioners need to be familiar with the ergonomic features of various musical instruments, many of which put the performer at increased risk for injury. An informed practitioner can advise regarding improving the fit between the musician and the musical instrument, in order to reduce stresses due to compression of the instrument against the body or to supporting the weight of the instrument. These modifications may alter the instrument itself and/or provide external devices, such as splints, straps, or stands that disperse and minimize stress on the performer. Various thermoplastic orthoses have been designed to reduce static loading on small body parts such as the right thumb in clarinetists and flutists. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the nature of instrumental modifications and present two case studies using a simple moldable splint as well as adaptations to the trombone itself.