OVERUSE INJURIES AND PIANO TECHNIQUE - Institutional ...

group.! 4 Potential problems in the anatomy, such as a very short finger, may
be thus identified and the technique of the individual can be modified in
order to prevent injury. Wagner also suggests that his data may also
contribute to the development of an ergonomically improved keyboard.!5
Dr. Sang-Hie Lee built upon the work of Wagner in conducting his
study at the University of Alabama. Lee's study concerned itself with whether
or not pianists' hand ergonomics affected temporal and dynamic touch
control.! 6 The study developed a methodology to examine the impact of
eight essential hand ergonomic variables upon five piano performance
variables. Thirteen skilled pianists submitted to detailed hand measurements
and then performed two technical prototype exercises by Cortot. Their
performances were evaluated via a MIDI interface between a Yamaha digital
keyboard and the software program Total Music which displays: (1) pitch,
duration, and dynamics in histogram form; (2) a grand staff in which the
section of music played appears in standard notation; and (3) raw MIDI data
displayed in alphanimieric form which provide the pitch by number and
name, a reading on temporal key events by a clock time of 96 beats per quarter
note, and the velocity of key descent. The first exercise played was a five-
finger pattern for the right hand with a polyphonically sustained note on F,
held with the fourth finger. The second excerpt was a left-hand arpeggio
requiring hand spread, crossing the hand over the thumb, and upper arm
rotation at the shoulder. Lee found that in performance of both exercises, the
size of the hand itself had little influence on touch control. Joint mobility
!4 Ibid., 127.
!5 Ibid.
! 6 Sang-Hie Lee, "Pianists'Hand Ergonomics and Touch Control," Medica/ Problems of
Performing Artists 5, Q\me 1990): 72-8
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