Respiratory Function in Wind Instrument Players

Abstract

The playing of wind instruments has been associated with changes in respiratory function. Our aim was to investigate the effect of playing wind instruments on lung function and respiratory symptoms. The present study included three groups, Group A (99 trained regular blowers currently employed in a performing role), Group B (87untrained part-time blowers who performed blowing only on occasions, e.g., marriage) and Group C (50 non-blowers) and these three groups were compared. Group A had significantly higher prevalence of upper respiratory tract infection compared to group B and Group C. Group A showed significant increase in respiratory function as compared to group B and group A. Also, group B showed significant improvement in some parameters as compared to group A. Thus, our data suggests that musicians playing wind instruments may be susceptible to chronic upper airway symptoms but regular training of wind instrument blowing increases the pulmonary function, which may be a physiological advantage of blowing.