Does Use of Face Masks Influence Pain and Performance in Musicians?

Aims: To analyze headache and pain in the mandibular region as well as the self-perception of fatigue, difficulty and level of performance during instrumental practice when using a face mask. To analyze their influence in relation to the duration of practice.

Methods: Observational study through the completion of an online questionnaire among students and teachers in public conservatories in Spain.

Results: In 552 respondents (435 students, 117 teachers), the incidence of headache was 28.6%, being higher in musicians who used the face mask. Regarding jaw pain, 12.5% indicated that their pain increased since its use. However, the differences of pain in both regions and face mask use were not statistically significant. Nearly 40% of the participants indicated an increase in fatigue, tiredness and lowering of performance than before using the mask. Moreover, this percentage was between 66-74% when we analyzed the musicians who use it when playing, obtaining p<0.001 in all 3 variables. As for the duration of rehearsals, the only difference found is between jaw pain and hours/week of practice (p=0.036).

Conclusion: The use of the face mask significantly affected the self-perception of fatigue, as well as the difficulty and performance of instrumental practice, but was not related to the occurrence of headache and jaw pain in the musicians.