Evaluation of the anthropometric dimensions, elasticity and muscle strength of the hand in conservatory students who are playing the piano regularly

INTRODUCTION: The predisposition of individuals to play any musical instrument in terms of physical characteristics is especially important for music instructors. There are numerous studies in the field of sports that assess the physical characteristics of the individual in the adaptation process of playing. However, there is only a limited number of studies that reveal the adaptive changes in physical characteristics shaped by the tendency to play an instrument in the field of music. In addition, the evaluation of adaptive changes in the initial process of playing an instrument is important for the prevention of pathological findings such as pain that can be caused by using the instrument. In our study, the anthropometric properties, muscle strength and range of motion in the hands of the conservatory students who were regularly playing piano were observed. The results were compared with the control group, which is a group of young people who do not play any type of musical instrument. Our aim is to evaluate the differences related with the above mentioned properties between the conservatory students and the control group, the relationship between the differences and the tendency to play the piano, and lastly to evaluate the adaptation process. The results of the study will be a guide for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders which may occur due to piano playing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was based on a total of 128 individuals including 64 conservatory students who regularly played piano for a minimum of two years between the ages of 18-30 and 64 university students who did not play any musical instruments. All the individuals in the control group are the students of Baskent University. All participants were individuals living in Ankara during the study. After the demographic data of all the students were recorded, anthropometric hand measurements as well as height and weight measurements, flexibility and muscle strength were measured for each individual. Anthropometric measurements were taken using Martin type anthropometry and sliding calipers. Elasticity was measured by using hand and finger goniometers. Hand grip strength was measured by a Jamar hand dynamometer and finger grip forces were measured using pinchmeter. The hand grip strength was measured separately while the forearm was both in flexion and extension position. Finger grip forces were measured in three different ways: pinch grip, lateral grip and triple grip force. Muscle strength measurements were repeated three times then averaged out. All measurements were performed separately for each hand. RESULTS: In the study, the right and left hands of the piano group and the control group were compared separately. In the context of anthropometric measurements, no statistically significant difference was found between piano and control groups. It was only found that the right hand span was greater in the piano group. Similarly, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of both hand and finger grip forces. However, a significant difference was found between piano and control groups in terms of all parameters related to flexibility measurements; the flexibility measurements were greater for both hands in the piano group. Keywords: Hand, anthropometry, flexibility, hand grip strength, piano