Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase are Modulated by the Time and Context of Musical Performance

Auditioning can cause considerable apprehension for musicians, typically giving rise to a wide range of physical and mental stress responses irrespective of age, amount of practice and level of experience. However, studies giving clear and replicable information on these experiences, in particular the physiological reactions to such psychosocial stress and the precise timing of that response have been limited. This study sets out to understand musicians’ endocrinological reactivity and recovery to performing in low- and high-stress auditions by focusing on the 2 endocrinological pathways: the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic adrenal medullar (SAM). Salivary cortisol (CORT) and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) samples were collected in 11 musicians (6 men, 5 women) 2 times prior to and 4 times after low- and high-stress conditions, and benchmarked against musicians’ subjective experience of anxiety. The results reveal peak CORT levels 15 min after the performance, in the high-stress condition. By contrast, the activity in sAA increased from 1 min before to after the performance, before dropping to levels below with musicians’ low-stress conditions. This study demonstrates that (a) musical performing affects both the HPA axis and the SAM system and that these responses are modulated by the time and condition of performance, and (b) sAA is an important biomarker in understanding musical performance stress

Musicians’ perceptions and experiences of using simulation training to develop performance skills

Simulation has been applied as a tool for learning and training in sports, psychology and medicine for some time, but its current use and potential for training musicians is less well understood. The aim of this study was to explore musicians’ perceptions and experiences of using simulated performance environments. Nine conservatory students performed in two simulations, each with interactive virtual elements and vivid environmental cues: a recital with a virtual audience and an audition with virtual judges. Qualitative data were collected through a focus group interview and written reflective commentaries. Thematic analysis highlighted the musicians’ experiences in terms of (1) their anticipation of using the simulations, (2) the process of performing in the simulations, (3) the usefulness of simulation as a tool for developing performance skills and (4) ways of improving simulation training. The results show that while simulation was new to the musicians and individual levels of immersion differed, the musicians saw benefits in the approach for developing, experimenting with and enhancing their performance skills. Specifically, the musicians emphasised the importance of framing the simulation experience with plausible procedures leading to and following on from the performance, and they recognised the potential for combining simulation with complementary training techniques

A preliminary comparison study of burnout and engagement in performance students in Australia, Poland and the UK

While there is a growing body of research concerning the well-being of music students, burnout and engagement remain largely unexplored. Likewise, cross-national variations in approaches to music education, and different educational experiences of men and women may influence burnout and engagement. This preliminary study aimed to inform further research by establishing the levels of, and exploring cross-national and sex differences in burnout and engagement in music performance students at conservatoires in Australia, Poland and the UK (n = 331). Self-reported levels of burnout were, typically, low to moderate. Nevertheless, one in ten students reported symptoms such that they could be classified as burned out. Australian and UK students displayed more burnout than students in Poland, although Australian students reported lower levels of reduced sense of accomplishment than Polish and UK students. Self-reported engagement was, typically, moderate to high. Students in Poland reported higher levels of engagement than those in the UK. Women displayed higher levels of global burnout and emotional/physical exhaustion, while men reported lower levels of reduced sense of accomplishment. Further research on burnout and engagement could build on this investigation to gain a better understanding of their impact and the influence of the educational experience on students’ music-related well-being

A twist in the tail : SHAPE mapping of long-range interactions and structural rearrangements of RNA elements involved in HCV replication

The RNA structure and long-range interactions of the SL9266 cis-acting replication element located within the NS5B coding region of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were determined using selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analysed by primer extension. Marked differences were found in the long-range interactions of SL9266 when the two widely used genotype 2a JFH-1 (HCVcc) and genotype 1b Con1b sub-genomic replicon systems were compared. In both genomes, there was evidence for interaction of the sub-terminal bulge loop of SL9266 and sequences around nucleotide 9110, though the replication phenotype of genomes bearing mutations that disrupted this interaction was fundamentally different. In contrast, a ‘kissing loop’ interaction between the terminal loop of SL9266 and sequences in the 3′-untranslated X-tail was only detectable in JFH-1-based genomes. In the latter, where both long-range interactions are present, they were independent, implying that SL9266 forms the core of an extended pseudoknot. The presence of the ‘kissing loop’ interaction inhibited the formation of SL9571 in the 3′-X-tail, an RNA structure implicated in genome replication. We propose that, SL9266 may contribute a switch function that modulates the mutually incompatible translation and replication events that must occur for replication of the positive-strand RNA genome of HCV

Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education: A Comparison of Music and Sport Students Through the Framework of Self Determination Theory

Students in Higher Education report high levels of mental health issues and psychological distress. Paradoxical findings on performance-orientated students, such as athletes and musicians, suggest that the demands of highly skilled vocations may enhance wellbeing while being detrimental to physical and mental health. To provide timely and appropriate help, institutions need to understand what areas of health and wellbeing are compromised in different student groups. In this study, we compared performance-orientated (music and sport) students to other students and the general population on a selection of wellbeing (WHO5, PWS, and WEMWBS), mental and physical health (K10, SF12, and PHQ9), and trait measures (TIPI, LOT-R, and PCS). Through an online survey (N = 273), data were collected from bachelor and master students (n = 135 music, n = 67 sport, n = 71 controls). Students’ scores were compared to the general population, where norm values were available, and analyzed within and between groups. Multiple regression was performed to investigate trait measures as predictors of wellbeing. All groups scored significantly below population norms for wellbeing and mental health. One third were classed as having moderate to severe depression. Musicians scored higher openness to experience than athletes. While sport students showed a highly homogenous within-group profile, music students’ scores differed significantly across study courses (e.g., performance and composition). Predictors for wellbeing were: optimism and emotional stability (all students); additionally conscientiousness (sport and music); and perceived competence (music only). As expected, students reported more health and wellbeing issues than general population. Distinct profiles of wellbeing were apparent for performance-orientated students. Results are in line with Self Determination Theory and suggest the need for institutions to embed health and wellbeing into a ‘living curriculum’ to accommodate the needs of different student groups. The WHO5 emerged as a parsimonious yet sensitive measure for mental health and wellbeing in student populations

Engagement and burnout among music performance students

The psychological and physical demands of the music profession can take their toll, putting musicians’ health and wellness at risk. Despite its potential impact on the changes in attitudes towards music- making, well-being remains under-researched in the context of tertiary music education.The current paper reports a study of two facets of well-being: engagement with performance and burnout among music performance students at conservatoires. The study aimed to establish and compare the levels of engagement and burnout in music students in the UK and Australia, exploring their potential social-environmental determinants and health and performance-related consequences. In line with the literature on sport and dance, Basic Psychological Need Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), which seeks to explain the role of satisfaction of autonomy, competence and relatedness in well- being, was used as the theoretical framework for studying the possible determinants of engagement and burnout. A cross-sectional design and questionnaire methods were employed in the study. Data were collected from 146 performance students from several conservatoires in the UK and a single conservatoire in Australia. The results revealed that while burnout was not prevalent in the sample, the respondents tended to experience moderate to high levels of engagement. Overall, there were no differences between the students in the UK and Australia in terms of engagement and burnout. Only weak correlations were found between engagement and burnout, and health issues, musculoskeletal pain and practice strategies employed by respondents. The findings of the study suggest that the social context of the conservatoire and the sense of competence may play a major role in the psychological well-being of music performance students, confirming the basic tenets of Basic Psychological Need Theory.The study sheds light on determinants and consequences of well-being in music education setting, thus contributing to the better understanding of healthy careers in music and forming the basis of practical advice for institutions and principal studies tutors on how to enhance music-related well- being in conservatoire students.Keywords: music education, psychological well-being, engagement, burnout, Basic Psychological Need TheoryReferences Deci, E.L., Ryan, R.M. (2000) The ”˜what’ and ”˜why’ of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry. Vol.11 No.4, 227-268

The promotion of homebased physical activity for people with lung and cancer cachexia, a qualitative study of healthcare professionals, patients and carers

Purpose There is some evidence of the benefits of physical activity (PA) in patients with lung cancer; however, there is a lack of understanding of acceptable PA for patients with established cachexia and how to facilitate sustainable behaviour change to promote PA. Therefore, this study explored the views of healthcare professionals (HP), patients with lung cancer and cachexia, and their carers on preferences for, barriers and facilitators of homebased PA. Methods This qualitative study involved ten telephone interviews with HPs and face-to-face interviews with seven patients with lung cancer and cachexia and their carers. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model was used as a framework for the thematic cross-group analysis. Results The types of homebased PA suggested by patients with lung cancer and cachexia (n = 7), their carers (n = 7) and HPs (n = 10) were functional, flexible, individualised and initially of short duration and low intensity. PA was influenced by themes within physical and psychological Capability, physical and social Opportunities as well as automatic and reflective Motivation. Conclusion Based on a behaviour change theory, principles to promote homebased PA were developed. These principles need to be integrated into tools to promote PA in people with lung cancer and weight loss. Implications for Cancer Survivors The application of the proposed principles by clinicians will promote physical activity, enhancing the function and wellbeing of patients with lung cancer and reducing burden on carers. Introductio

“I feel like a fish out of water”: interpreting the occupational stress and well-being experiences of professional classical musicians

Introduction: Professional classical musicians operate within a highly demanding environment, which includes organizational, social, and emotional demands. When not effectively coped with, these demands may cause stress and negatively impact well-being. This qualitative study explored the perceived stress and well-being experiences of professional classical musicians through a transactional theory of stress. The study employed a double hermeneutic interpretation of the lived experiences of the perceived demands faced, stress appraisals made, resources used, and the influence on well-being. Methods: Six professional classical musicians were purposefully selected for participation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and participants reflected on two events: one they perceived as a positive experience and one that was negative. Transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Group Experiential Themes emerged. Results: Three Group Experiential Themes were identified: (a) Performance Demands; (b) Organizational Demands; and, (c) Relationship Demands. Participants predominantly appraised demands as a threat. A small number of demands were appraised as a challenge or benefit, and the fewest demands were appraised as causing harm or loss. Participants’ appraisals were informed by underlying properties of stress appraisal such as self and other comparison, and preparation. Participants often relied on personal resources as opposed to available workplace resources. They perceived well-being to relate to stress appraisals with participants experiencing acute and long-term outcomes. Discussion: This study offers insight into the lived experience of the occupational stress process within professional classical musicians. The findings demonstrate that organizational interventions targeted at continuing professional development and social support are appropriate to help musicians cope more effectively with demands

A longitudinal study of muscle strength and function in patients with cancer cachexia

Purpose Patients with cancer frequently experience an involuntary loss of weight (in particular loss of muscle mass), defined as cachexia, with profound implications for independence and quality of life. The rate at which such patients’ physical performance declines has not been well established. The aim of this study was to determine the change in muscle strength and function over 8 weeks in patients with already established cancer cachexia, to help inform the design and duration of physical activity interventions applicable to this patient group. Methods Patients with thoracic and gastrointestinal cancer, with unintentional weight loss of >5% in 6 months or BMI < 20 plus 2% weight loss were included. Physical and functional assessments (baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks) included: isometric quadriceps and hamstring strength, handgrip, standing balance, 10m walk time and timed up and go. Results Fifty patients (32 male), mean ±SD age 65 ±10 years and BMI 24.9 ±4.3kg/m2 were recruited. Thoracic cancer patients had lower muscle strength and function (p0.05). Baseline variables did not differentiate between completers and non-completers (p>0.05). Conclusions More than a third of patients with established cancer cachexia in our study were stable over 8 weeks, suggesting a subgroup who may benefit from targeted interventions of reasonable duration. Better understanding the physical performance parameters which characterize and differentiate these patients has important clinical implications for cancer multidisciplinary team practice