In early September MSc in Performing Arts Medicine graduates travelled to Reykjavik in Iceland for the International Symposium for Performance Science (ISPS) that took place in the very prestigious Harpa Concert Hall.
Seven research papers were presented from the graduates, all attracting interest from the international audience and promoting further discussions. The presentations were on the lower trapezius muscle in string players (Kari Arnason), vitamin D levels in ballet dancers (Farrah Jawad), footwear in ballroom dancers (Lindsay Wallace), breathing methods for performance anxiety (Philippa Wheble), injuries of flautists (Patricia Halliwell), breathing and dancing lung capacity (Tommi Sliiden )and clinics in a music school (Hara Trouli).
The MSc made a strong presence and established its contribution to the ever growing research fields in this discipline. Projects were undertaken in collaboration with the ISEH, the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) and the Music and Dance Conservatoires.
It was also a great opportunity to visit this fascinating country and complete a memorable trip in the land of volcanoes and hot springs. We are grateful to the programme Directors for encouraging participation in international conferences and to Professor Aaron Williamon of the Centre for Performance Science at the Royal College of Music for organising the ISPS every two years with great success. We are now aiming for ISPS Melbourne in 2019!