Bow-side kinematics studies in violinists : an experimental design tracking intra- and -inter-musician variability by bow stroke’s type, string played and tempo
Article [Accepted Manuscript]
Is part of
Medical problems of performing artists ; vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 135-142.Publisher(s)
Science and Medicine, Inc.Affiliation
Abstract(s)
Comparison of bow-side kinematics in violinists is hindered by the
scarcity of studies available. This makes meta-analysis impossible. This
paper assesses the effect of music-based variables (bow stroke, tempo and
string played) on intra- and inter-participant variability in joint kinematics. The joint kinematics of nine high-level violinists were acquired via a
motion capture system while they played a standardized piece of music
involving contrasting bow strokes and strings at different tempi. Results
were compared using linear mixed models using the Root Mean Square
(RMS) for each joint. We found highly individualized patterns of play,
deduced from a low intra- but high inter-musician variability (4.2° vs.
13.1° of normalized RMS) in joint kinematics. String played and bow
stroke had the greatest effect on joint kinematics. The string played had
the greatest impact on shoulder kinematics and the bow stroke had the
greatest impact on elbow and wrist kinematics. Based on these results, we propose guidelines for future research designed to study bow kinematics
in the field of biomechanics of violin movements. For ease of comparison
between studies and to limit the time and resources required, our main
suggestions are to use repeated measures designs with a legato reference
condition and to choose pieces of music spanning multiple strings.
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