How Musical Expression Influences the Risk of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Pianists

Playing the piano is a complex bodily activity that involves much more than just pressing keys. It requires the coordination of the entire body, from the torso to the fingers, as performers infuse their playing with expressive gestures. Recent research from the University of Montreal explores how this physical expression impacts the health of pianists, especially their risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

The study, led by Ph.D. candidate Craig Turner and Professor Felipe Verdugo, focuses on the biomechanics of two professional pianists to understand how musical expression translates into physical movements and potential injury risks. Notably, statistics indicate that approximately 72% of pianists suffer from musculoskeletal issues, highlighting the importance of this investigation (source: Frontiers in Psychology).

Using 17 movement sensors attached to the pianists' bodies, the researchers analyzed how their joint movements, postures, and wrist movements differed under two performance styles: an expressive, interpretive style akin to live performance, and a neutral style where the musicians played exactly what's written, with no personal embellishment.

The findings show that expressive playing significantly increases body movement, involving larger and more dynamic movements in the shoulders, neck, torso, elbows, and wrists. While greater core engagement may decrease some risks in the central body regions, the wrists tend to adopt static and non-neutral positions more often during expressive passages. Moreover, wrist movements become jerkier and less smooth, especially in lyrical sections, which could amplify injury risks such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Interestingly, the type of music influences these movement patterns. In rapid virtuoso passages, differences between expressive and neutral styles diminish, possibly due to technical constraints that limit movement variation. For instance, playing fast, detached left-hand notes results in similar wrist smoothness regardless of style.

The research underscores the importance of an integrated approach to pianistic training that balances musical expression with physical health. Teachers and students are encouraged to focus on body awareness, proper posture, and ergonomic exercises to minimize musculoskeletal strain, especially when aiming for expressive performance.

By recognizing the biomechanical links between expressive playing and injury risk, this study advocates for tailored ergonomic interventions, mobility routines, and collaboration with biomechanics professionals. Such measures could help pianists sustain high-level performance while maintaining long-term physical health.

This research not only sheds light on how expressive gestures affect performers physically but also emphasizes the need for holistic training strategies to prevent injuries and prolong musical careers. Further insights into the interaction between technical and expressive demands can guide better practices in piano education and health preservation.

Source: medicalxpress.com