Musculoskeletal disorders at work are often the prime topic of discussion and research (Yeung et al, 1999). They are widespread in many countries, incurring substantial cost and affecting quality of life. The major contributory risk factors are non-optimal body posture, forceful and repetitive movements, whole body vibration and psychological stress. The risk factors are prevalent in almost all occupations (Punnett and Wegman, 2004). Unlike other professionals, the work of instrumentalist involves playing musical instruments hence work-related musculoskeletal disorders are called playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs), which are often disabling (Zaza et al 1998; Bragg 2006). The prevalence of PRMDs in musicians has been found to range from 32% to 87% (Zaza et al, 1998; Storm, 2006).
The Tabla is the most popular percussion instrument used in Indian classical music. Ragothman (2004) reported that Tabla players also suffer from PRMDs. Tabla playing involves repetitive striking movements, force, contact stress and constrained posture for longer period of time which may be the predisposing factors for PRMDs. A study from The University of Pittsburg reported that Indian Tabla players suffer from musculoskeletal discomforts. Among harmonium, sarod and Tabla, Tabla players suffered from the greatest discomfort (http://www.umc.pitt.edu/india3/studv.htmr).
The authors conducted the study to find the most affected areas of discomfort and to identify the major risk factors contributing to playing related musculoskeletal discomforts among Indian Tabla players. Eighty-four professional Tabla players voluntarily participated in the study. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was administered to identify the susceptible/affected anatomical areas. A questionnaire consisting of eight items on a 10 point likert scale based was administered to identify the risk factors contributing to PRMDs. Results of the NMQ showed that the most commonly affected areas were the lower back (74.15%), right shoulder (67.06%) and neck (67.06%). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was determined by Cronbach's alpha which was found to be acceptable. From the factor analysis results, two factors emerged. Factor one was identified as posture related risk factors while factor two was identified as occupation related risk factors. The risk factors identified in the study were similar when compared to other instrumentalists.
Mishra, W., De, A., Gangopadhyay, S., & Chandra, A. M. (2013). A study of musculoskeletal discomforts and associated risks among indian percussion (tabla) players. Ergonomics SA, 25(2), 2-11.