Intramuscular Oxygenation and Muscle Activity of Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis During Piano Performance: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND: Repetitive piano movements have been associated with playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) such as forearm myalgia and symptoms of lateral epicondylopathy. Despite the high prevalence of PRMDs among pianists, there is poor understanding regarding the underlying physiological mechanisms. Intramuscular oxygenation may play a role in the development of PRMDs. Therefore, this observational study aimed to explore the effect variability of playing piano repertoire on the oxygenation of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). METHODS: Surface electromyography (EMG) activity and intramuscular oxygenation data (using near-infrared spectroscopy, NIRS) of the left and right ECRB were recorded in 13 conservatory piano students (8 female, 5 male, mean age 23.54 ± 3.24 years) while playing piano repertoire (virtuoso piece or études) for 20 minutes. From the oxygenation data, relative changes (in the percentage of the baseline measurements at rest) were calculated. RESULTS: For all participants, the oxygenated hemoglobin of the left ECRB over the piano play presented an averaged decline to the baseline resting value, with a sample mean for left ECRB of –7.48% and –11.88% for the right ECRB, ranging from –15.53% to –2.00% and –19.12% to –3.93%, respectively. The deoxygenated hemoglobin ranged in the left ECRB from –5.39% to 39.14% and from –9.37% to 54.01% in the right ECRB. The change in total hemoglobin ranged from –5.35% to 16.80% for the left ECRB and –12.10% to 10.37% for the right ECRB. EMG activity (in % maximal voluntary contraction) presented a mean of 16.85% (range 11.86 to 24.43) for the left ECRB and 23.65% (range 14.46 to 37.91) for the right ECRB. This pilot study presented a Pearson’s r between the averaged oxygenated hemoglobin and EMG of –0.60 for the right ECRB and –0.48 for the left ECRB. CONCLUSION: Piano performance induced an average decline in oxygenated hemoglobin in the left and right ECRB, which differed largely between the specific pieces played. The EMG activity can partially explain these differences. Further research is needed to explore the impact of a ‘dynamic index’ reflecting the piece’s dynamic characteristics and the individual oxygenation characteristics. Med Probl Perform Art 2023;38(4):214–223.