Medical rehabilitation of older employees with migrant background in Germany: Does the utilization meet the needs?

Due to demographic change with an ageing workforce, the proportion of employees with poor health and a need for medical rehabilitation is increasing. The aim was to investigate if older employees with migrant background have a different need for and utilization of medical rehabilitation than employees without migrant background. To investigate this, self-reported data from older German employees born in 1959 or 1965 of the first and second study wave of the lidA cohort study were exploratory analyzed (n = 3897). Subgroups of employees with migrant background were separated as first-generation, which had either German or foreign nationality, and second-generation vs. the rest as non-migrants. All subgroups were examined for their need for and utilization of medical rehabilitation with descriptive and bivariate statistics (chi-square, F- and post-hoc tests). Furthermore, multiple logistic regressions and average marginal effects were calculated for each migrant group separately to assess the effect of need for utilization of rehabilitation. According to our operationalizations, the foreign and German first-generation migrants had the highest need for medical rehabilitation while the German first- and second-generation migrants had the highest utilization in the bivariate analysis. However, the multiple logistic model showed significant positive associations between their needs and utilization of rehabilitation for all subgroups. Further in-depth analysis of the need showed that something like under- and oversupply co-exist in migrant groups, while the foreign first-generation migrants with lower need were the only ones without rehabilitation usage. However, undersupply exists in all groups independent of migrant status. Concluding, all subgroups showed suitable use of rehabilitation according to their needs at first sight. Nevertheless, the utilization does not appear to have met all needs, and therefore, the need-oriented utilization of rehabilitation should be increased among all employees, e.g. by providing more information, removing barriers or identifying official need with uniform standards.

Exploring the Underlying Mechanisms of Action of Dry Needling: What Is the Immediate Effect on Muscle Electrophysiology? An Experimental Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Dry needling is a commonly used treatment technique for myofascial pain syndromes, such as trapezius myalgia. Despite the shown positive clinical effects on pain, the underlying mechanisms of action, such as the effect on muscle electrophysiology, remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dry needling, compared with sham needling, in the upper trapezius muscle on surface electromyography activity and the relation with pain in office workers with trapezius myalgia. DESIGN: For this experimental randomized controlled trial, 43 office workers with work-related trapezius myalgia were included. Surface electromyography activity was measured before and after a pain-provoking computer task and immediately after, 15, and 30 mins after treatment with dry or sham needling. Pain scores were evaluated at the same time points as well as 1, 2, and 7 days after treatment. RESULTS: No significant differences in surface electromyography activity between dry needling and sham needling were found. Significant positive low to moderate Spearman correlations were found between surface electromyography activity and pain levels after dry needling treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows no immediate effects of dry needling on the electrophysiology of the upper trapezius muscle, compared with sham needling.

Return-to-work self-efficacy after occupational rehabilitation for musculoskeletal and common mental health disorders: Secondary outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of adding a workplace intervention to inpatient occupational rehabilitation on return-to-work self-efficacy, and whether changes in return-to-work self-efficacy were associated with future work outcomes. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. SUBJECTS: Individuals aged 1860 years, sick-listed 212 months were randomized to multimodal inpatient rehabilitation with (n?=?88) or without (n?=?87) a workplace intervention. METHODS: Between-group differences for 4 months follow-up were assessed using linear mixed models. Associations between self-efficacy scores and future sickness absence days during 12 months of follow-up were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant between-group differences in self-efficacy during follow-up. Participants with high or medium self-efficacy scores at the end of rehabilitation had fewer sickness absence days during follow-up compared with participants with low scores. Participants with consistently high scores or an increasing score throughout the programme showed fewer sickness absence days than those with reduced or consistently low scores. CONCLUSION: Receiving an added workplace intervention did not increase return-to-work self-efficacy more than standard inpatient occupational rehabilitation alone. High scores and a positive development in return-to-work self-efficacy were associated with higher work participation. This suggests that return-to-work self-efficacy could be an important factor to consider in the return-to-work process.

Rehabilitation of the Dancer.

Rehabilitation of dance injury should be a team-based approach lead by a medical practitioner with experience in both musculoskeletal medicine and dance specific demands. The rehabilitation protocol begins with a dance specific initial assessment, followed by injury management, progression of the rehabilitation program including dance specific movement, advancing to full independence.

The immediate effect of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique on stature change in seated sedentary workers with chronic low back pain.

Many studies have measured stature change arising from loads imposed on the spine during sitting. To improve stature recovery, it is important to stabilise the lumbar spine and compensate forces from the upper body. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) technique has been found to mainly activate deep trunk muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine whether activation of deep trunk muscles by the ADIM technique could immediately improve stature recovery during prolonged sitting. Twenty-four patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) were randomly allocated into different orders of experimental conditions: control (sitting without ADIM technique) and intervention conditions (sitting with ADIM technique). The latter condition required participants to complete ADIM technique for 1 min and repeat it three times throughout 41 min prolonged sitting time. Stature recovery was improved by 3.292 mm in the intervention condition compared with control condition (p-value = 0.001). Our finding demonstrated that ADIM technique improved stature recovery. Practitioner Summary: Prolonged sitting seemingly harms sedentary workers' health, particularly affecting the lower back. Activation of deep trunk muscles using abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique can promote spinal recovery. Clinicians can teach abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique to activate deep trunk muscles in chronic low back pain, thereby promoting self-management of seated stature recovery. Abbrevations: ADIM: abdominal drawing-in maneuver; RA: rectus abdominis; ICLT: iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis; LM: lumbar multifidus; TrA: transversus abdominis; IO: internal oblique; CLBP: chronic low back pain; LBP: low back pain; RMDQ: Roland Morris disability questionnaire; NRS: numerical rating scale.

Multidimensional voice assessment: the immediate effects of Lax Vox® in singers with voice complaints / Avaliação multidimensional da voz: efeitos imediatos do Lax Vox® em cantores com queixas vocais

ABSTRACT Purpose: to multidimensionally assess the effect of the Lax Vox® vocal technique on singers with voice complaints. Methods: a comparative intrasubject study that assessed 30 singers - 13 males and 17 females, aged 18 to 55 years - who self-reported voice complaints and had voice problems symptoms. The participants were submitted to voice assessment with perceptive-auditory, acoustic, aerodynamic, and electroglottographic voice analysis, as well as laryngeal assessment with high-speed videolaryngoscopy. The participants were assessed at two moments: 1) at the beginning of the data collection; and 2) five minutes after performing the Lax Vox® vocal technique. The groups were compared with appropriate statistical tests, with a 5% significance level. Results: in the acoustic analysis, there was an increase in the fundamental frequency for males, after using the Lax Vox® vocal technique. In the aerodynamic assessment, there was an increase in the airflow mean values during vocalization, as well as in aerodynamic power after using the Lax Vox® vocal technique in both groups. Conclusion: the Lax Vox® vocal technique, in the studied singers with a complaint of dysphonia, promoted an increase in the fundamental frequency, for males. In the aerodynamic parameters, in both sexes, it promoted an increase in the airflow and aerodynamic power.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar, de forma multidimensional, o efeito da técnica vocal Lax Vox® em cantores com queixas vocais. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo comparativo intrassujeitos. Foram avaliados 30 cantores, sendo 13 homens e 17 mulheres, com idade entre 18 e 55 anos, que apresentaram queixa vocal autorreferida e presença de sintomas vocais. Os participantes foram submetidos à avaliação vocal pela análise perceptivo-auditiva, acústica, aerodinâmica e eletroglotográfica da voz, bem como à avaliação laríngea com a videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade. Os participantes foram avaliados em dois momentos: 1) no início da coleta; e 2) após cinco minutos de realização da técnica vocal Lax Vox®. Para comparação dos grupos foram utilizados teste estatísticos pertinentes, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: na análise acústica houve aumento da frequência fundamental dos homens após o uso da técnica vocal Lax Vox®. Na avaliação aerodinâmica houve aumento dos valores da média do fluxo aéreo durante vocalização e da potência aerodinâmica após o uso da técnica vocal Lax Vox® em ambos os grupos. Conclusão: a técnica vocal do Lax Vox® nos cantores com queixa de disfonia estudados promoveu um aumento da frequência fundamental nos homens. Nos parâmetros aerodinâmicos em ambos os sexos provocou um aumento do fluxo aéreo e da potência aerodinâmica.

Military Sexual Trauma and Chronic Pain in Veterans.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic pain rehabilitation warrants sensitivity to unique psychosocial factors, such as trauma history. In Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, military sexual trauma (MST) is a pervasive type of trauma associated with a host of physical and psychological sequelae. A growing literature suggests a relationship between history of MST and chronic pain. This study sought to clarify the relationship between MST and chronic pain among male and female Veterans and explore whether individual factors moderate this relationship. DESIGN: A baseline survey of 328 Veterans seeking care for chronic pain via behavioral pain treatments was conducted. RESULTS: MST was reported by 31.4% of the sample and uniquely predicted pain interference. A significant interaction was found between MST and age, such that younger Veterans with a history of MST reported greater pain interference than younger Veterans with no MST. CONCLUSION: Findings provide further evidence that the experience of MST may intensify the overall burden of chronic pain and suggest that younger Veterans with MST seem to be most vulnerable to impaired pain rehabilitation. Unique study contributions include a robust sample of women and men with elevated rates of MST and examination of MST-age relationships concurrent with chronic pain.

Return to work interventions for chronic pain: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain (CP) remains the second commonest reason for being off work. Tertiary return to work (RTW) interventions aim to improve psychological and physical capacity amongst workers already off sick. Their effectiveness for workers with CP is unclear. AIMS: To explore which tertiary interventions effectively promote RTW for CP sufferers. METHODS: We searched eight databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of tertiary RTW interventions for CP sufferers. We employed the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) and methodological quality assessment tools for all included papers. We synthesized findings narratively. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity of study characteristics. RESULTS: We included 16 papers pertaining to 13 trials. The types, delivery format and follow-up schedules of RTW interventions varied greatly. Most treatments were multidisciplinary, comprising psychological, physical and workplace elements. Five trials reported that tertiary interventions with multidisciplinary elements promoted RTW for workers with CP compared to controls. We gave a high ROB rating for one or more assessment criteria to three out of the five successful intervention trials. Two had medium- and low-risk elements across all categories. One compared different intensity multidisciplinary treatment and one comprised work-hardening with a job coach. Seven trials found treatment effects for secondary outcomes but no RTW improvement. CONCLUSIONS: There is no conclusive evidence to support any specific tertiary RTW intervention for workers with CP, but multidisciplinary efforts should be considered. Workers' compensation is an important area for RTW policymakers to consider.

An occupation-based intervention in patients with hand-related disorders grouped using the sense of coherence scale-A randomized controlled trial.

STUDY DESIGN: A nonblinded randomized controlled trial. INTRODUCTION: Occupation-based interventions are superior to physical exercise-based interventions in patients with activity limitations. However, only a few studies have examined the effect in patients with hand-related disorders. Patients recover heterogeneously, which could be due to personal factors, such as sense of coherence (SOC). PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effectiveness of an occupation-based intervention for patients with hand-related disorders and whether SOC can give an indication of the expected effects. METHODS: A total of 504 patients were stratified into three SOC groups and then randomized to either an occupation-based intervention, including physical exercises (OBI) or a physical exercise-based occupation-focused intervention. The primary outcome, functioning, was measured using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. Primary endpoint was at three months. Patients were followed up for a year. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in primary outcome analysis. Nevertheless, patients receiving OBI had a statistically significant and greater change in satisfaction with their occupational performance at one, two, and three months follow-up. Patients with a weak SOC had worse functioning and lower health-related quality of life than those in the other groups, at all times. CONCLUSIONS: OBI as delivered in this study was not superior to physical exercise-based occupation-focused intervention in this patient group. However, in taking a client-centered approach, we recommend that OBI be based on individual needs, given that patients had a statistically greater change in score regarding satisfaction with their occupational performance. It is evident that patients with a weaker SOC have a lower level of functioning. This knowledge should inform clinical practice.

Alexander Technique classes improve pain and performance factors in tertiary music students.

BACKGROUND: Professional and student instrumental musicians experience high rates of playing-related pain (PR pain) and other playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). This significant occupational health risk signals an urgent need for preventive education at the college level. During tertiary studies however, music students may be more focused on musical skill development than health outcomes. Alexander Technique (AT) is reputed to be beneficial for factors relating to both PR pain and the improvement of performance quality in musicians, therefore AT training for music students could be relevant for prevention. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of AT classes for tertiary music students on PR pain, associated risk factors for PR pain, and factors associated with improvements in music performance quality. METHODS: Responses were collected from 23 volunteer music performance students at an Australian University who undertook weekly AT classes for one semester using a curriculum specifically designed for music students. RESULTS: The majority of participants rated AT classes as beneficial for all factors, particularly reduction of PR pain, posture, ability to release excess muscle tension, improvements in instrumental technique, and improvements in performance level. Benefits to practice effectiveness and a reduction in non-playing-related pain, stress levels and performance anxiety were also reported. CONCLUSIONS: Purpose-designed AT classes may contribute to the management of PR pain and pertinent risk factors in music students, thus further investigation of the potential role of AT classes in pain prevention programs is warranted. Reports of benefit across a range of performance-related skills strengthen relevance to music practice and performance.

The effect of training for a participatory ergonomic intervention on physical exertion and musculoskeletal pain among childcare workers (the TOY project) - a wait-list cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Objective Many employees have high physical exertion at work and suffer from musculoskeletal pain (MSP) leading to sickness absence with large costs. Participatory ergonomics is a potentially effective intervention for reducing physical exertion, MSP and sickness absence. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 20-week workplace participatory ergonomic intervention among childcare workers on physical exertion and MSP. Methods In a two-arm cluster-randomized trial, 190 workers were recruited from 16 childcare institutions and randomly assigned to either a 20-week participatory ergonomics intervention consisting of three training workshops or a control group receiving usual care. Primary outcomes were physical exertion during work, maximal pain intensity, number of pain regions, and pain-related work interference. Secondary outcomes were MSP-related sickness absence, need for recovery (NFR), employee involvement, and self-efficacy. We followed the intention-to-treat principle and adhered to the registered study protocol (ISRCTN10928313). Results After 20 weeks, half the workers noticed some positive changes in their work. However, there were no statistically discernible effects in physical exertion, maximum pain intensity, pain-related work interference, or number of pain regions. We found a significant reduction of MSP-related sickness absence in the intervention compared to the control group [-0.48 days per month (95% confidence interval (CI), -0.8- -0.1]. We found no significant effects in NRF or involvement of employees, but self-efficacy was reduced in the intervention compared to the control group [-0.2 (95% CI, -0.3- -0.0)]. Conclusion This 20-week training for a participatory ergonomic intervention in childcare workers did not show effects on physical exertion and MSP, but was both feasible and effective in reducing MSP-related sickness absence.

Examining Work-Related Functioning in a Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic: Validity and Reliability of the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ).

Purpose Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are often associated with long-term sick leave, productivity loss, and reduced work functioning. However, measures that assess work-related functioning are sparse. Objective To assess the psychometric properties of the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ)-German version in patients with MSDs in an outpatient physical therapy practice. Methods Psychometric study including patients with MSDs with restricted work participation. Data was collected in a single physical therapy outpatient clinic. For construct validity, we developed a priori hypotheses on the correlation between the functioning part of WORQ (40 items) and other questionnaires with similar concepts. For test-retest reliability, WORQ was administered twice, 7 days apart. We examined internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Feasibility of WORQ was examined using feedback from patients and physical therapists. Results There were 51 study participants. Test-retest of WORQ sum score was 0.80 (p < 0.01) (Spearman's rho). Internal consistency was 0.94 and MDC established at 9.2%. WORQ correlated with general health (r = - 0.49), with HADS (r = 0.55), and with quality of life (WHOQOL) (r = - 0.47). WORQ had the highest correlation with WHODAS 2.0 (r = 0.81). Patients rated WORQ as easy to answer and meaningful to their experience. Conclusions When evaluating self-reported work-related functioning, the WORQ-German version was demonstrated to be a valid, reliable, and easy to administer questionnaire for our sample of patients with MSDs in an outpatient PT clinic.

Need for recovery in relation to effort from work and health in four occupations.

OBJECTIVE: To examine three levels of need for recovery (NFR) after work in relation to effort from work demands, demand compensatory strategies, effort-moderating or -reversing resources, and health including health behaviors. A further purpose was to examine occupational characteristics determining NFR. METHODS: 5000 engineers, carpenters, nurses, and home care nurses were invited to participate. NFR k-means clusters were calculated from 1289 participants. The effect from three levels of NFR regarding demands, compensatory strategies, resources at work, health, and health behaviors was examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis. Prevalence ratios (PRs) of suboptimal health for three levels of NFR were calculated using Poisson regression. Linear stepwise multiple regression predictors explaining NFR were examined also occupation wise. RESULTS: NFR centroids at 5.8/33, 13.1/33, and 21.0/33 points were identified. ANOVA showed corresponding effects from NFR levels on work demands and compensatory strategies. The inversed proportion concerned levels of resources at work. Only the low NFR cluster negated regular health effects. The other two cluster groups also repeatedly worked while ill and presented PRs concerning health effects from 1.9 to 3.9 when compared to the low NFR group. Making good quality work, recovery opportunities, and thinking of work when off work were the most important predictors of NFR among 1289 participants with also occupation-wise interpretable profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Three levels of NFR meant corresponding levels of work demands, work-demand compensatory strategies, and unfavorable health behaviors. An inversed proportion of resources related to the same levels of NFR. Low NFR meant no regular health effects which could guide limit values regarding salutary NFR. Important predictors of NFR were resources making a good quality work, recovery opportunities, and reversely effort from rumination when off work. Occupation-wise predictors could guide interventions.

Occupational voice is a work in progress: active risk management, habilitation and rehabilitation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current article reviews recent literature examining occupational voice use and occupational voice disorders (January 2018-July 2019). RECENT FINDINGS: Our understanding of the prevalence of voice disorders and work-related vocal use, vocal load and vocal ergonomics (environmental and person influences) across different occupations is continuing to build. There is encouraging evidence for the value of intervention programs for occupational voice users, particularly of late with performers, teachers and telemarketers. Education and prevention programs are emerging for other 'at risk' occupations. SUMMARY: Occupational health and workforce legislation does not adequately acknowledge and guide educational, preventive and intervention approaches to occupational voice disorders. Voice disorders are prevalent in certain occupations and there is an urgent need for research to support occupational voice health and safety risk measurement, prevention and intervention. Large population-based studies are required with a focus on the health and economic burden of occupational voice disorders.

Neuromuscular exercise reduces low back pain intensity and improves physical functioning in nursing duties among female healthcare workers; secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is common among healthcare workers, whose work is physically strenuous and thus demands certain levels of physical fitness and spinal control. Exercise is the most frequently recommended treatment for LBP. However, exercise interventions targeted at sub-acute or recurrent patients are scarce compared to those targeted at chronic LBP patients. Our objective was to examine the effects of 6 months of neuromuscular exercise on pain, lumbar movement control, fitness, and work-related factors at 6- and 12-months' follow-up among female healthcare personnel with sub-acute or recurrent low back pain (LBP) and physically demanding work. METHODS: A total of 219 healthcare workers aged 30-55 years with non-specific LBP were originally allocated to four groups (exercise, counselling, combined exercise and counselling, control). The present study is a secondary analysis comparing exercisers (n = 110) vs non-exercisers (n = 109). Exercise was performed twice a week (60 min) in three progressive stages focusing on controlling the neutral spine posture. The primary outcome was intensity of LBP. Secondary outcomes included pain interfering with work, lumbar movement control, fitness components, and work-related measurements. Between-group differences were analysed with a generalised linear mixed model according to the intention-to-treat principle. Per-protocol analysis compared the more exercised to the less exercised and non-exercisers. RESULTS: The mean exercise attendance was 26.3 (SD 12.2) of targeted 48 sessions over 24 weeks, 53% exercising 1-2 times a week, with 80% (n = 176) and 72% (n = 157) participating in 6- and in 12-month follow-up measurements, respectively. The exercise intervention reduced pain (p = 0.047), and pain interfering with work (p = 0.046); improved lumbar movement control (p = 0.042), abdominal strength (p = 0.033) and physical functioning in heavy nursing duties (p = 0.007); but had no effect on other fitness and work-related measurements when compared to not exercising. High exercise compliance resulted in less pain and better lumbar movement control and walking test results. CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular exercise was effective in reducing pain and improving lumbar movement control, abdominal strength, and physical functioning in nursing duties compared to not exercising.

Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in otorhinolaryngology and their relationship with physical activity. A nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery specialists and trainees in Spain, and to measure the effect that physical exercise could have on muscular discomfort. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was administered between September and December 2017 to practising otolaryngologists. RESULTS: Four hundred and three ENT surgeons responded, with a median age of 44.9 years, and 89.8 per cent reported discomfort or physical symptoms that they attributed to surgical practice. More female surgeons reported musculoskeletal symptoms (92.8 per cent vs 87.1 per cent; p = 0.04). When the level of physical activity was compared with the frequency of physical discomfort, no significant difference was found. CONCLUSION: This study has shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among ENT surgeons in Spain but has failed to demonstrate an important role of physical exercise in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.

Are custom-made foot orthoses of any interest on the treatment of foot pain for prolonged standing workers?

BACKGROUND: The prolonged standing position is an important factor in the onset of foot musculoskeletal disorders among workers. Safety shoes, designed to protect against the physical constraints of the work environment, do not address this issue to date. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to assess the possible benefits of custom-made foot orthoses among prolonged standing workers. STUDY DESIGN: repeated measures without control group. METHODS: Thirty-four standing workers who suffer from foot pain volunteered for the study. Custom-made foot orthoses, designed by a podiatrist, were 3D-printed and distributed to each volunteer. Static balance as well as static and dynamic plantar pressure measurements were carried out with sensors inserted in the safety shoes, before and after three weeks of wearing foot orthoses daily. A questionnaire on pain and comfort was also distributed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Feelings of pain, discomfort and heavy legs were found to be significantly reduced after wearing 3D-printed orthoses (p<0.05). Additionally, in static and dynamic conditions, a significant decrease in mean peak pressure in the rearfoot area was observed along with a significant increase in mean peak pressure in the midfoot area (p<0.05). There was also a significant improvement of balance in the medial-lateral direction. CONCLUSION: Custom-made orthoses significantly increase the well-being of standing workers in our experimental testing conditions. The custom-made shape allows for a better balanced distribution of foot peak pressure thanks to its support and stimulation of the foot arches particularly through a shift of pressure from the heel to the midfoot.

Assessment of the effects of Kinesiotaping on musical motor performance in musicians suffering from focal hand dystonia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the immediate and short-term effects of a Correction Kinesiotaping intervention on fine motor control in musicians with focal hand dystonia. DESIGN: A single-blinded, single-arm repeated measures, pilot study. SETTING: Medical outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Seven musicians diagnosed with focal hand dystonia. INTERVENTIONS: Musicians performed musical exercises under the following conditions: without Kinesiotape (baseline), during a Correction Kinesiotaping intervention and immediately after tape removal (block 1) and during a Sham Kinesiotaping intervention and immediately after tape removal (block 2). Blocks were randomly presented across participants. A tailored Correction Kinesiotaping intervention on affected fingers was provided based on the dystonic pattern that each patient manifested while playing. MAIN MEASURES: Motor performance was video-documented and independent experts blindly assessed the general performance and fingers' posture on visual analogue scales. Also, musicians' self-reports of the musical abilities were evaluated. Finally, electromyographic activity and coactivation index of wrist antagonist muscles were analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences in effects between Correction Kinesiotaping and Sham Kinesiotaping were reported by the experts, either for general performance (P > 0.05) or for fingers' posture (P > 0.05); any subtle benefits observed during Correction Kinesiotaping were lost after the tape was removed. Musicians estimated that Correction Kinesiotaping was ineffective in improving their musical abilities. Also, no significant changes with respect to the coactivation index (P > 0.05) were found among the conditions. CONCLUSION: Correction Kinesiotaping intervention may not be useful to reduce dystonic patterns, nor to improve playing ability, in musicians with focal hand dystonia.