Biomechanical analysis of hand exercises in pianists: Enhancing dexterity through targeted interventions

Background: The incidence of injuries caused by high-intensity repetitive hand movements is relatively high among pianists. Joint stiffness, muscle fatigue, and pain are often associated with the performance process, which, in severe cases, can impact their professional careers. Existing studies mainly focus on performance techniques or simple rehabilitation exercises, lacking systematic hand intervention programs based on biomechanical principles. Additionally, there is still no comprehensive method to quantify and evaluate the actual effects of specialized training. Objective: Based on biomechanical principles, this study investigates whether targeted hand training interventions can effectively enhance the flexibility of pianists’ finger joints and reduce fatigue and pain caused by overuse. Methods: A total of 50 professional pianists with more than five years of performance experience were enrolled and randomized into an intervention group and a control group, with 25 participants in each group. The intervention group received 8 weeks of targeted hand training in addition to routine practice, 5 days per week, 30 min per session. The control group continued their regular performance practice. Joint range of motion, electromyographic (EMG) parameters, grip strength, pinch strength, and fatigue and pain scores were collected at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Repeated measures analysis of variance and independent sample t-tests were used for comparisons. Results: By Week 8, the intervention group showed significantly greater maximum range of motion in the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and distal interphalangeal joints compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Peak amplitude of the flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus, extensor digitorum, interosseous muscles, and lumbrical muscles significantly increased (p < 0.01). Grip strength and pinch strength were markedly improved compared to the control group (p < 0.01), while fatigue and pain scores were significantly reduced (p < 0.01). The control group showed no significant improvement in these parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Targeted hand interventions based on biomechanical principles can effectively improve finger flexibility and reduce fatigue and pain in pianists within a short period, offering substantial application value for preventing performance-related hand injuries.