Preliminary Study on the Identification of Electromyographic Patterns Associated with Musical Performance Movements

Electromyography (EMG) is a technique that allows the analysis of the muscles electrical activity during contraction, serving as a valuable tool in the field of biomechanics to assess muscle function during human movement. In recent years, research has focused on developing human-machine interfaces for individuals with motor difficulties in their upper extremities. However, there is a shortage of studies exploring the use of EMG in the musical domain. In this preliminary study, EMG signals were obtained from the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm during the performance of two musical instruments to identify patterns associated with different musical movements. Principal component analysis was employed to characterize the performed motions. The results demonstrated that flexor muscles of the forearm predominate in guitar chord execution, while extensor muscles play a more significant role in piano note execution. The distribution of electromyographic patterns, based on the executed chords, suggests that the specific finger position and usage in each instrument influence these patterns. The significance of future research with a larger number of participants is emphasized. Furthermore, it is suggested to include the study of intrinsic hand musculature during keyboard performance and to examine EMG in musicians with varying levels of musical training.