The Effects of Using an Ergonomic Chinrest When Playing the Violin

A one-day crossover randomised trial was conducted to compare violinists using an ergonomic chinrest (EC) with do-as-usual on muscle activation, kinematics and sound. After two weeks of testing the EC, self-perceived evaluations on comfort, performance, sound, neck alignment and muscle tension were reported in a questionnaire between EC and do-as-usual.The main question is to answer if:the EC is superior compared to do-as-usual and gives a more aligned neck posture and less muscle tension/dynamic muscle activitythe EC is subjectively evaluated as better than do-as-usual regarding self-perceived comfort, performance and sound

Inclusion Criteria:18 years or olderspeak and write fluently Danish or EnglishProfessional violinistsNo severe pain symptoms in the neck or upper extremities (<3) scored on a numeric rating scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst perceived pain).Exclusion Criteria:medical conditions that could influence the test result (pacemaker or life-threatening health disorders)trauma on the upper cervical spine or upper extremities within the last 12 monthsprevious or planned shoulder/neck operationsevere eczema on the neck and upper extremities.