Corrective exercise intervention targeting muscular shortening in music students

Abstract

Introduction: University music students are highly vulnerable to playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs), primarily due to prolonged static postures and muscular imbalances. Common shortening affects postural muscles such as the trapezius, levator scapulae, pectoralis major, and erector spinae. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week intervention program designed to reduce muscular shortening in postural muscle groups among university-level music students. Methods: A true experimental design was employed, involving 22 students assigned to an experimental group (n = 12; 54.54%) or control group (n = 10; 45.46%). The intervention included biweekly, 30-minute sessions over six weeks, focusing on activation, mobility, and postural reeducation. Pre- and post-tests assessed muscular shortening using clinical grading scales. Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.01) improvements were observed in all evaluated muscles within the experimental group, with large effect sizes (r > 0.50), while no significant changes were found in the control group. Intergroup analyses also confirmed significant post-intervention differences in muscular shortening favoring the experimental group. Conclusion: Even brief, targeted physical interventions can effectively reverse muscular shortening in music students, supporting their integration into music education curricula to prevent PRMDs.