The original inventor of ergonomic brass supports, since 1999

Relieve back, neck or arm pain while playing brass, woodwinds or saxophone

Research Summary: Playing Supports and Musicians’ Health

Using an instrument support can provide significant ergonomic benefits, especially for musicians who play heavy brass and woodwind instruments. By transferring the instrument’s weight away from the hands and shoulders to the body or the floor, the support reduces muscle tension and improves posture. This may increase practice and performance endurance while lowering the risk of pain.

Independent Scientific Evidence

A peer-reviewed medical study (Effect of Using Ergobrass Ergonomic Supports on Postural Muscles in Trumpet, Trombone, and French Horn Players, PubMed 2018) confirmed that ERGObrass supports significantly reduce the activation of neck, shoulder, and back muscles. The study concluded that ERGObrass helps musicians maintain better posture, reduces fatigue, and may prevent long-term playing-related injuries.


Key Findings

  • A high proportion of musicians report pain caused by instrument-related strain.
  • Supporting and redistributing the instrument’s weight reduces muscular effort and grip force.
  • Benefits are most evident for heavy instruments, children and young students, aging musicians, and players with a history of pain.
  • Correct adjustment and a short adaptation period are important to achieve the best results.
  • A playing support complements, but does not replace, good posture, breathing technique, and balanced practice habits.


Practical Implications

  • Who benefits most: brass and woodwind players with heavy instruments, students who fatigue quickly, professionals in long rehearsals or concerts, and musicians with prior pain.
  • How to use: adjust the height so that posture remains neutral and arms are relaxed; start with shorter periods and extend gradually.
  • When less suitable: in situations where extensive stage movement or frequent instrument changes are required.


Research References

  1. Ackermann, B., & Driscoll, T. (2010). “Ergonomic issues in musicians.” Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America.
    • Reviews common playing-related injuries.
    • For wind players: frequent neck and shoulder pain from holding heavy instruments.
    • Recommends ergonomic aids to reduce load.
  2. Spahn, C., & Hildebrandt, H. (2012). “Health promotion in musicians.” Current Opinion in Psychiatry.
    • Covers studies on children and young musicians.
    • Early ergonomic interventions (e.g., supports) may reduce dropout rates in music education.
  3. Zaza, C. (1998). “Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in musicians: a systematic review of incidence and prevalence.” CMAJ.
    • One of the broadest systematic reviews.
    • Prevalence of playing-related disorders: 39–87% across musicians.
    • Weight distribution and aids mentioned as preventive strategies.
  4. ERGObrass Study (2018). Effect of Using Ergobrass Ergonomic Supports on Postural Muscles in Trumpet, Trombone, and French Horn Players. Published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, indexed in PubMed.
    • Demonstrated reduced muscle activity in neck, shoulders, and back.
    • Confirmed that ergonomic supports improve posture, lower fatigue, and support healthier long-term playing
  5. Rickert, D., Barrett, M. S., & Ackermann, B. (2014). “Are music students at risk? A review of musculoskeletal disorders in young musicians.” International Journal of Music Education.
    • Young players have high risk, especially when instruments are heavy relative to body size.
    • Ergonomic solutions (including supports) identified as beneficial for long-term playing.
  6. Paull, B., & Harrison, C. (1997). The Athletic Musician: A Guide to Playing Without Pain.
    • Not a scientific paper but widely cited.
    • Describes strategies and references studies on reducing strain through ergonomic aids.


Research summary

  •  Prevalence: 40–80% of musicians experience playing-related musculoskeletal pain during their careers.
  •  Wind & brass players: neck, shoulders, and back are most affected due to weight and posture demands.
  •  Solutions: ergonomic supports reduce muscle load (shown in EMG studies), increase endurance, and may prevent injuries.
  •  Special groups: children and young students benefit most since relative instrument weight is greatest.