Thoracic Mobility, Posture, Functional Capacity, and Respiratory Rate in Children Playing Wind Instruments

The aim of this study is to evaluate thoracic mobility, posture, functional capacity, and respiratory rate in children aged 8-14 years who play wind instruments and to compare these findings with those of their peers who do not play wind instruments. In line with this primary objective, the study seeks to comprehensively investigate the potential biomechanical and physiological adaptations associated with playing wind instruments in the context of childhood music education, with a particular focus on chest wall mobility, postural alignment, respiratory efficiency, and functional capacity. The novelty of this study lies in being the first to adopt a holistic perspective to examine the effects of wind instrument playing on the postural and cardiorespiratory systems during the sensitive developmental period of 8-14 years, which is known to be highly responsive to biomechanical adaptations. By addressing this understudied age group, the study aims to fill an important gap in the existing literature.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 8-14 years and enrolled in primary or middle school * Having regularly played the flute or melodica for at least one year (≥2 days/week, ≥20 minutes/day) * For the control group, no prior experience with wind instruments during the previous year * Absence of any diagnosed cardiopulmonary, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions * Giving written parent informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of an acute respiratory tract infection within the past week * A diagnosis or history of allergic asthma or other chronic respiratory disease * Presence of chest wall abnormalities (e.g., barrel chest) * A diagnosed scoliosis deformity * A diagnosis or history of developmental delay or neuromotor disorders * Any cognitive or communication impairment that could interfere with participation in the study