The High Prevalence of Injury Among Female Bassoonists

Abstract

Performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are a frequent reality for practicing musicians. Aspects of the bassoon, such as the weight of the instrument and the musician’s asymmetrical body position, make bassoon players particularly susceptible to PRMDs. The International Bassoonist Questionnaire was distributed via the world wide web (n = 166; 58% male, 42% female) to investigate PRMDs in bassoon players. Great differences between genders were documented in bassoon players; females (100%) reported PRMDs more frequently than males (78%). Female bassoonists were particularly susceptible to PRMDs in the hands, arms, and wrists.