A survey of medical coverage in the marching arts
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Fredrick Gardin
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 9:59 AM
Description
Clinically Relevant Question: This research aims to identify how the marching arts’ access to medical coverage affects an individual’s success in the activity. Background: Medical coverage in the marching arts varies greatly between the levels that exist within the activity. Marching bands’ physical demands rival sports with a longer season and fewer resources. Methods: A survey was conducted to ask individuals about their experiences with their band’s medical staff and any injuries or conditions they may have dealt with. Participants were at least 18 years old and participated in any combination of band level: high school, collegiate, Drum Corps Associates or International, or indoor. Results: Responses will be analyzed for descriptive statistics, and open-ended responses will be analyzed qualitatively for themes of the band’s environment and the overall success in the members’ recovery. The expectations of this survey are a relatively even split between individuals who experienced marching limitations due to a condition or injury and those who did not. It is also expected to see a lack of medical coverage in the lower levels in comparison to the higher ones. Implications: The necessity of medical coverage in the marching arts is dependent on the level of the art. It is expected to see more injuries at the higher levels, with consistent and reliable coverage at every level. This research seeks to analyze previous experiences, not to answer decisively on the marching arts’ need for medical coverage.
A survey of medical coverage in the marching arts
Clinically Relevant Question: This research aims to identify how the marching arts’ access to medical coverage affects an individual’s success in the activity. Background: Medical coverage in the marching arts varies greatly between the levels that exist within the activity. Marching bands’ physical demands rival sports with a longer season and fewer resources. Methods: A survey was conducted to ask individuals about their experiences with their band’s medical staff and any injuries or conditions they may have dealt with. Participants were at least 18 years old and participated in any combination of band level: high school, collegiate, Drum Corps Associates or International, or indoor. Results: Responses will be analyzed for descriptive statistics, and open-ended responses will be analyzed qualitatively for themes of the band’s environment and the overall success in the members’ recovery. The expectations of this survey are a relatively even split between individuals who experienced marching limitations due to a condition or injury and those who did not. It is also expected to see a lack of medical coverage in the lower levels in comparison to the higher ones. Implications: The necessity of medical coverage in the marching arts is dependent on the level of the art. It is expected to see more injuries at the higher levels, with consistent and reliable coverage at every level. This research seeks to analyze previous experiences, not to answer decisively on the marching arts’ need for medical coverage.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.