NEURAL TISSUE TIGHTNESS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITIES IN GUITARISTS

Abstract

Purpose: To find if guitarists had more neural tissue tightness as compared to non-guitarists. Methods: In this observational analytical study, 40 guitarists (18 to 38 yrs) playing for [Formula: see text]5 years, were recruited and compared with age, gender and BMI matched controls. A questionnaire, physical examination, and four upper limb tension test (ULTT’s) were used to screen the subjects. Results: The guitarists had increased neural tissue tightness as compared to the corresponding sides of non-guitarists ([Formula: see text]). The within-group comparison of guitarist’s indicated that ULTT1 of the left (fretboard limb) was more involved than the right (strumming limb) ([Formula: see text]). The Pearson chi-square correlation and point biserial association between ULTT2 and ULTT4 with symptomatic guitarists were significant. Similarly, years of experience, practice hours, and age had a significant correlation with symptoms. Conclusion: The guitarists had more neural tissue tightness as compared to non-guitarists (left limb[Formula: see text]right limb). Symptomatic guitarists were found to have more neural tissue tightness in ULTT2 and ULTT4 of both the limbs. The number of years of experience, practice hours, and age were also associated with symptomatic guitarists.