Biomechanical analysis of musicians’ posture and movement patterns for optimizing performance and reducing injury risk

Musicians often face unique physical demands that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and performance-related injuries due to repetitive movements and poor postural alignment. This study examines the biomechanical factors contributing to these issues and explores the relationship between posture, movement efficiency, and performance quality across various instrument types. Using advanced motion capture technology, force plates, and electromyography (EMG), this research analyzes joint angles, ground reaction forces (GRF), muscle activation levels, and kinematic patterns in 84 musicians. Key findings include significant differences in joint angles across career stages, with mid-career musicians exhibiting the highest deviations in shoulder and elbow alignment (p < 0.05), suggesting that posture improves with experience but still presents a risk. GRF analysis revealed that standing musicians experience a significantly higher load (mean GRF = 489.6 N, p = 0.012), leading to greater postural instability and reduced performance quality. The study also found a positive correlation between movement efficiency and auditory performance (r = 0.61, p = 0.004), emphasizing the importance of efficient, fluid movements in producing high-quality musical output. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that violinists and cellists experience the highest muscle activation and fatigue rates, with violinists showing a fatigue rate of 0.29 %MVC/min (p < 0.05), highlighting the physical strain on string players. Pressure distribution analysis for seated pianists identified asymmetries in posture, with a significant imbalance in left and right side pressure (p = 0.023), contributing to discomfort and potential long-term injury risks.