Electrophysiological Assessment of Piano Players’ Back Extensor Muscles on a Regular Piano Bench and Chair with Back Rest

Abstract

[Purpose] Sitting position is usually considered as a rest position, but there are many static and dynamic forces which affect musculoskeletal system during sitting. In prolonged sitting, these forces are harmful. Sitting position is dominant position for a pianist. The aim of this study was to compare pianists’ back extensor muscles activity during playing piano while sitting on a regular piano bench and a chair with back rest. [Subjects and Methods] Ten professional piano players (mean age 25.4 ± 5.28, 60% male, 40% Female) played piano with similar tasks for 5 hours in two sessions, one session sitting on a regular piano bench and the other sitting on a chair with back rest. In each session, muscular activity was assessed in 3 ways: 1) recording surface electromyography of the back-extensor muscles at the beginning and end of each session, 2) Isometric back extension test, and 3) Musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire. [Results] There were significantly lesser muscular activity, more ability to perform isometric back extension and better personal comfort while sitting on a chair with back rest. [Conclusion] Decreased muscular activity and perhaps fatigue during prolonged piano playing on a chair with back rest, may reduce acquired musculoskeletal disorders among professional pianists.