Musculoskeletal, Neural, and Ocular Physiology Commons^™

Electromyography (Emg) Biofeedback Training In Music Performance: Preventing And Reducing Musculoskeletal Pain In Musicians, Carolyn Yarbrough

Scripps Senior Theses

Musicians are a high-risk occupational group for musculoskeletal disorders. Often manifesting in muscle tension, pain and paresthesia, musculoskeletal disorders can drastically affect comfort, mentality and endurance while performing. This study sought to examine the effects of electromyography (EMG) biofeedback training in reducing musculoskeletal symptoms in music performance. The subjects were university-level violinists and cellists. Over a period of 2-4 weeks, all participants underwent EMG biofeedback training while performing their instrument using audio feedback. No significant results were found, but patterns of decreased muscle tension and increased performance comfort and endurance were observed.