Analysis of the Frequency of Postural Flaws During Violin Performance

Abstract

There is much evidence to show postural flaws occurring in violin players during performance. The general objective of this study was to observe violinists during performance for the appearance of postural flaws and the frequency with which these flaws occurred. For this work, 20-minute video recordings were made of four student violinists from an orchestra; the violinists were recorded from a frontal viewpoint, and also anatomic markers were placed on them in order to separately analyze some of the arm and head movements through a computer program. After recording, we captured images in order to categorize some postures, verifying how often these flaws appeared from different points of view. We conclude that all violinists presented postural flaws which could be avoided because they are not part of the normal instrumental techniques.

Examining the Interaction Between Motor Development and Early Violin Learning

“…In addition to gross motor movements of the arm, the fine motor movements made by the hand are essential to proper bowing technique (Kruta de Araújo et al, 2009). Wiesendanger et al (2006) found that holding the bow requires a precise force control between the right-hand fingers, especially the thumb and the middle finger.…”

“…This leads violin pedagogues to pay great attention to the different functions of the joints of the shoulder, arm, and the individual fingers and their role in making subtle adjustments needed to achieve the desired tone (Pyykönen, 2015). Kruta de Araújo et al (2009) identified the following basic right-arm movements used in violin playing:…”

“…Flexion and extension of the wrist and the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints (joints of the fingers and hand flexing in and out) (Kruta de Araújo et al, 2009, p. 109).…”

“…The static muscular work of performing repetitive, intricate muscular movements while staying in violin-specific posture can result in overstress of muscles, tendons, and joints (Ohlendorf et al, 2017). However, even though the violin is played in this asymmetric and biomechanically disadvantageous manner, injuries can be prevented by adopting ergonomically sound posture and playing movements, as unfavorable playing positions are not essential to proper violin playing technique (Kruta de Araújo et al, 2009).…”

“…A good fit of the instrument, including accessories such as the shoulder rest, is also important to good playing posture (Kruta de Araújo et al, 2009). Standing while playing is preferable over sitting, as sitting may lead to strain on the lower back, while standing allows the lower extremities to evenly distribute the load over all joints and muscles (Howarth et al, 2013; Wallyn, 2013).…”