Exploring the role of the pelvis in the seated posture of upper string players

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kirsten Swanson (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Scott Rawls

Abstract: The pelvis’s role in supporting string playing is an under-researched topic in the professional upper string playing world. Violinists’ and violists’ injuries often present themselves in the neck, shoulders, arms, and fingers. However, based on what many medical and physical disciplines and studies know about the spine, singling out one area of the spine while ignoring another only treats the symptoms and often ignores the underlying problem. Professional upper string players, unlike other instrumental families, are unique for two reasons: they often start at a comparatively young age and play standing up. Only when upper string players enter the professional world, do they begin sitting for many hours of work during the day. Knowing how important the pelvis is to postural health in a seated position, I posit that many upper string players’ injuries result from a lack of understanding of how to sit properly while playing and could originate in the pelvis. Using the elements of two well-known physical disciplines, the Alexander Technique and the Pilates Method, I believe the upper string player can develop the muscles and body awareness needed to sit with ease, in alignment, throughout their professional careers. By including the pelvis in the discussion of how players support themselves when sitting, I hope that upper string players’ pain in all parts of the spine will be alleviated.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2018
Keywords
Pelvis, Pilates Method, Posture, Viola
Subjects
Bowed stringed instrument players $x Wounds and injuries $x Prevention
Pelvis $x Mechanical properties
Sitting position $x Health aspects
Alexander technique
Pilates method

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