Comparison of two-point discrimination senses measured from hand fingertips of conservatory students who play guitar and baglama for a long time and university students who do not play any musical instrument

The two-point discrimination test (2PD) is a reliable neurological assessment used to evaluate sensory pathways within the spinal cord, brainstem, and cerebrum. Due to its high sensitivity in detecting mild sensory impairments, it is frequently employed in both clinical and experimental research. Musicians, particularly those who play string instruments such as the guitar and bağlama for extended periods, are exposed to repetitive microtraumas through continuous use of their hands and fingers. This repetitive strain may lead to the development of thickened skin tissue (hyperkeratosis) at the fingertips, which in turn can reduce tactile sensitivity. This study aimed to compare the two-point discrimination thresholds measured from the fingertips of long-term guitar or bağlama players and university students with no musical training. The research was conducted between March and May 2025 at Sakarya University State Conservatory and included 75 healthy volunteers (30 in the experimental group and 45 in the control group). The mean age was 22.73 ± 4.56 years in the experimental group and 21.33 ± 2.35 years in the control group. Results indicated that 2PD values were significantly higher in specific finger regions of both hands among guitar and bağlama players. In particular, significant differences were observed at the right 3rd and 5th fingertips (p < 0.05) and at the left 2nd–5th fingertips (p < 0.01). For example, the mean 2PD value at the right 3rd fingertip was 3.90 ± 1.12 mm in the experimental group compared to 2.83 ± 0.94 mm in controls, while at the left 4th fingertip it was 3.85 ± 1.09 mm versus 2.75 ± 0.88 mm, respectively. These findings demonstrate that long-term instrument playing reduces two-point discrimination sensitivity at the fingertips and suggest that hyperkeratosis may contribute to this sensory alteration. The results provide valuable insights into sensorimotor adaptation and peripheral sensory changes observed in musicians. Keywords: Two-point discrimination, Fingertip, Hyperkeratosis, Guitar, Baglama