Muscle Activation in String Musicians
Faculty Mentor Information
Joshua Bailey, University of Idaho; and Sarah Schlittler, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
String musicians, in the orchestral setting, have experienced playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) and/or repetitive strain injuries (RSI). These injuries can develop from individual practice sessions, private lessons, ensemble rehearsals or a combination of these. The aim of this study is to assess changes in high level string musicians muscle activation and movement patterns when playing music exercises. The criteria for participation in this study are individuals between the ages of 18-65 years of age and who have played their string instrument for at least 4 years. They also must be able to perform the task pain free. Participants will have motion capture and EMG surface sensors placed on them before playing the exercises. Then they will perform maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) for each of the muscles. After, they will perform 4 exercises that focus on 4 conditions (fast/slow tempo and loud/quiet dynamic). It is hypothesized that lower strings (bass and cello) will produce more force (have higher muscle activation) than that of upper strings (violin and viola). It is also hypothesized that upper strings will have more pronounced muscle activation in shoulders due to having to support the instrument. Lastly, A louder dynamic and fast tempo will result in higher muscle activation.
Muscle Activation in String Musicians
String musicians, in the orchestral setting, have experienced playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) and/or repetitive strain injuries (RSI). These injuries can develop from individual practice sessions, private lessons, ensemble rehearsals or a combination of these. The aim of this study is to assess changes in high level string musicians muscle activation and movement patterns when playing music exercises. The criteria for participation in this study are individuals between the ages of 18-65 years of age and who have played their string instrument for at least 4 years. They also must be able to perform the task pain free. Participants will have motion capture and EMG surface sensors placed on them before playing the exercises. Then they will perform maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) for each of the muscles. After, they will perform 4 exercises that focus on 4 conditions (fast/slow tempo and loud/quiet dynamic). It is hypothesized that lower strings (bass and cello) will produce more force (have higher muscle activation) than that of upper strings (violin and viola). It is also hypothesized that upper strings will have more pronounced muscle activation in shoulders due to having to support the instrument. Lastly, A louder dynamic and fast tempo will result in higher muscle activation.