Performance-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Musicians: Global Research Trends and Emerging Themes in Occupational and Neurological Injury
Isaac Son, Pranay Gadikota, Latha Ganti, Omar ViswanathIntroduction
Performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are common health conditions affecting musicians and can significantly impact performance and the longevity of a musicians’ career. PRMDs include both overuse injuries and focal dystonia.
Methods
This bibliometric analysis examined research trends on musician PRMDs using 1,094 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between the periodic time frame of 1984 and 2026. VOSviewer was used primarily to analyze publication output, authorship patterns, citation networks, and keyword relationships.
Results
Results showed steady growth in research activity, particularly after 2009, with Germany, the United States, and Australia emerging as leading contributors. Eckart Altenmüller was identified as the most prolific author, while keyword analysis revealed two major research themes: occupational health and neurological disorders.
Discussion
The findings found through this paper demonstrates the increasing recognition of musician health as an interdisciplinary field while highlighting the need for a greater integration between research areas and stronger evidence-based treatment approaches.
Conclusion
Future research should focus and aim to publish interdisciplinary collaboration, longitudinal studies, and standardized prevention and management strategies for musicians with PRMDs.