Effects of rehearsal time and repertoire speed on extensor carpi radialis EMG in conservatory piano students

Baeyens, Jean Pierre and Serrien, Ben and Goossens, Maggie and Veekmans, Katia and Baeyens, Rens and Daems, Walter and Cattrysse, Erik and Clijsen, Ron (2019) Effects of rehearsal time and repertoire speed on extensor carpi radialis EMG in conservatory piano students. Medical Problems of Performing Artists. (In Press)

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Abstract

The activation patterns of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) while playing a fast and slow music score from the individual repertoire were measured in 10 conservatory piano students by means of surface electromyography before, after 2 hours and again after 4 hours rehearsing of piano ‘études’. The amplitude of the EMG signal was processed by means of a Savitsky Golay smoothing algorithm, the frequency component with a wavelets procedure. The amplitude of the EMG was expressed in % of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC). Statistical analysis encompassed a 2-way repeated measurements ANOVA and statistical parametric mapping (alpha level was set at 5%). The amplitude of the ECR presented with a mean amplitude of 23 %MVC for the SLOW scores which increased significantly to 36 %MVC for the FAST scores. Percentile 10 presented a marginal mean value of 19 %MVC for the FAST type and 9 %MVC for the SLOW type of piano playing. Percentile 20 was 24 %MVC for the FAST type and 14 %MVC for the SLOW type. The cutoff score of 10%MVC presented a marginal mean of 3% for the FAST type and 16 % for the SLOW type. EMG measurements at baseline and after two and four hours of ‘études’ revealed no significant increase in amplitude or downwards shift in frequency which may have been indicative for local fatigue.

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