The Tea Party's Jeff Burrows performs at the Horse Shoe Tavern in Toronto while wearing one of Dr. Nadia Azar's BodyMedia Armbands. (Photo courtesy of Adrienne Jones/UWindsor)
Nadia Azar is looking for the particulars on the perils of being a percussionist.
The UWindsor associate professor of kinesiology has launched an online survey for drummers of all levels to gather information on playing-related pain and problems.
“The purpose of this study is to gather information on how often drummers experience pain and injuries that are directly related to playing the drums and what kinds of injuries they experience,” Dr. Azar said. “I also want to know about any playing-related or lifestyle habits that might either help drummers avoid playing-related pain/problems or put them at risk of developing them.”
Azar has also been studying drummers’ energy expenditure during live performances using sensors that monitor movement, sweat, skin temperature, and heat flux.
Those interested in the online survey must be over the age of 18 and play the drums a minimum of five hours per week. Participants cannot take part if they play forms of percussion other than a drum kit like the tympani or xylophone. Click here for more information about the survey or to participate.