In this study, the activity patterns of hand muscles, joint trajectories and finger force application characteristics during piano playing were systematically analyzed by combining biomechanical methods. Using a Vicon 3D motion capture system, Delsys electromyography (EMG) equipment, a high frame rate video camera, and a Tekscan pressure sensor, the movement characteristics and muscle loads of 10 piano players were measured under different playing techniques (such as legato, staccato, arpeggio, octave continuo, and chordal playing). The results of the study showed that different playing techniques had a significant effect on the activation level and force application pattern of the hand muscles. Octave legato and monophonic breaks resulted in the largest finger trajectories and highest peak velocities, which significantly increased the activation levels of EMG signals to the finger flexors and wrist flexors, potentially leading to muscle fatigue and risk of injury. Monophonic legato and arpeggio, on the other hand, had more stable trajectories and lower EMG activation levels, making them suitable for prolonged performance. The force distribution analysis showed that the highest finger forces were applied in octave legato and monophonic breaks, and that chord playing requires a balanced application of finger forces to ensure tonal stability.
