Open Access

David Snowdon

• Rationale: Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) represent a significant health problem for drummers. The prevalence of occurring symptoms is highest in the upper extremity, followed by complaints in the lower back and lower extremity. In research, the kinematics during drumming were only considered in the upper extremity using 3D motion analysis. Questions were mainly limited to motor and performance-related aspects. Only a few studies investigated 3D kinematics regarding possible developmental mechanisms of PRMDs. Hence, a notable gap exists in the availability of motion analysis protocols for evaluating PRMDs in drummers within clinical contexts like physical therapy. Purpose: To present the development and evaluation of a motion analysis protocol to assess the functional movements of the upper and lower body as well as the spine under drum set specific conditions during instrument playing in a clinical environment. The protocol aims to support the physiotherapeutic assessment process of PRMDs in drummers. Methods: The methodological implementation was carried out by linking an optoelectrical measurement system for the upper body and an inertial measurement system for the lower body. Required calibration and movement tasks for functional assessment were specified. The protocol was tested on eight drummers and the data was analysed with regard to clinical applicability. Results: Most rotation angles showed reasonable intersubject variability except for cervical spine, elbow and hip joints. Reproducible angle patterns were predominantly seen in the upper extremity, thoracic and lumbar spine and the right lower extremity. Conclusion: The results suggest that objective parameters can be assessed and functional movements can be quantified during drumming. The evaluation indicates that not all measured 3D kinematics produce reliable angle-time histories for clinical analysis. The developed protocol can support the physiotherapeutic assessment process along with pre-and-post-intervention outcome evaluation as well as research on the biomechanical origins of PRMDs in drummers.