Musicians' health: Applying the ICF framework in research

Purpose. Injuries described as 'playing-related' in musicians have a prevalence rate of up to 87%. Nevertheless, healthcare consultation rates among this population remain low. Using the theoretical framework of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the author examined the musicians' health literature to determine potential causes for the shortcomings in the provision of evidence-based treatment for injured musicians. Method. A review of the literature on musicians' health was performed from 1998 to December 2005. In total, 131 papers were reviewed. Results. Much of the literature on musicians' health is related to the domain of Body Structure and Function within the ICF framework. However, even in these relatively well-defined areas, clinicians appear to agree that the 'best treatment' depends enormously on the interplay of biopsychosocial factors and on the musician's context. Underrepresented areas in the literature include Environmental Factors, Personal Factors, and the domain of Participation. Conclusions. This review demonstrates a lack of research in some health and health-related domains in the musicians' health literature. The author suggests that these underrepresented areas within the ICF framework may explain shortcomings in the availability of effective, evidence-based treatment for musicians. The use of a framework to shape future research in this field is advocated.