Effects of Tempo, Dynamics, and String on Physical Exposure in Professional Violinists

This study examined how tempo, dynamics, and string influence upper-extremity physical exposure in professional violinists and how exposure variability is distributed among musical characteristics, between-subject differences, and residual variability. Twelve violinists performed seven standardized scales while bilateral upper-arm and wrist kinematics and shoulder and forearm muscle activity were recorded. Linear mixed-effects models showed that faster tempo increased right upper-arm velocity and bilateral forearm activity while reducing right upper-arm and wrist ranges of motion. Louder dynamics increased bilateral forearm and right trapezius activity and right-wrist ranges of motion. Higher-posture strings increased right upper-arm elevation and right shoulder muscle activity. Variance analysis identified exposures predominantly related to musical characteristics, jointly related to musical characteristics and between-subject differences, predominantly related to between-subject differences, or mainly unexplained. These findings support future exposure prediction from musical characteristics and targeted prevention through repertoire-based workload management, structured recovery, and individualized technique-focused strategies.