An analysis of pianists to investigate the occurrence of causal factors commonly associated with the onset of cumulative trauma disorders in the upper extremities

Much has been written about factors that contribute to the onset of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremity. The literature reports that the primary occupational factors contributing to this onset include: repetition, application of force, awkward posture, and lack of rest and recovery. To date, the major focus of this research literature has been on sports or occupational settings. Therefore the goal of this research study was to investigate pianists to analyze the occurrence of causal factors traditionally associated to the onset of CTDs of the upper extremity. Specifically this research analyzed factors of repetition, awkward posture, duration, and lack of rest and recovery within the context of piano playing to describe their possible impact on the development of CTDs of the upper extremity. Various genres of music (Christian/Gospel and Jazz) and music tempos were used as experimental variables in this study. Data was collected on notes per minute used while playing along with angle and angular velocity of the wrist and elbow. The results of this study found that Genre of music and Total Playing Time had an influence on repetition. It was also found that Formal Training and Years of Training most often affected the average Elbow posture Elbow (Angle and Angular Velocity) within the pianists. The mean Wrist Angular Velocity was the only factor determined to be influenced by a lack of rest and recovery.