Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in Malaysian orchestral musicians: a cross-sectional survey

Introduction Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are common occupational conditions among orchestral musicians. However, data about the prevalence of PRMDs in Southeast Asia—and Malaysia specifically—are limited. This study estimated the prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors of PRMDs, while measuring scores for pain intensity and interference in Malaysian professional orchestral musicians. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among professional orchestral musicians in Malaysia using the Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians (MPIIQM). Prevalence rates for PRMDs were calculated for lifetime, 12-month, 1-month, and point prevalence. Anatomical distributions were analyzed by instrument type and gender. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associated factors for PRMDs. Pain interference and pain intensity scores were derived for individuals experiencing PRMDs. Results Lifetime prevalence was 84.5% ( n = 443), while 12-month prevalence was 48.1% ( n = 252), 1-month prevalence 40.6% ( n = 213), and point prevalence 39.5% ( n = 207). Among musicians with PRMDs, the most common regions affected were the neck, shoulders, and upper limbs; 62.3% ( n = 137) had pain in three or more regions. Mean pain intensity and interference scores were 12.19 ± 1.916 (range 0–40) and 15.26 ± 3.214 (range 0–50), respectively. Female gender, string instrument playing, and younger age are associated with PRMDs. Conclusion This study confirms that PRMDs are common in Malaysian professional orchestral musicians. The use of an operational definition and a validated assessment tool allows for more accurate and meaningful estimates of pain prevalence. Female gender, string instrument playing, and younger musicians may be associated with PRMDs. These results support the need for targeted preventive and ergonomic interventions and emphasize the importance of standardized measures in music performing arts medicine.