2001/06/01 by C. M. Zelazny, C M Zelazny
Medicine · Psychology · #Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rehabilitation #Music Therapy and Health #Musicians’ Health and Performance
paper · doi:10.1093/jmt/38.2.97
crossref issued 2001/06/01 · crossref published 2001/06/01 · crossref published-print 2001/06/01 · openalex publication_date 2001/06/01 · crossref created 2013/12/10 · crossref deposited 2017/08/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/01/13 · crossref indexed 2026/07/25
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of keyboard playing on the management of hand osteoarthritis in older adults. Four participants, with diagnoses of hand osteoarthritis, met the investigator 4 days a week, for approximately 30 minutes, for 4 weeks. Participants played folk and big band melodies on a Yamaha PSR-510 touch-sensitive electronic keyboard for 20 minutes each session. Evaluation included pre and poststudy occupational therapy measures of finger pinch meter, and range of motion. Participants assessed arthritic discomfort using a visual Likert scale (1-10) before and after each session. A MIDI sequencing computer program, Master Tracks Pro, measured finger velocity, before and after each session. Results indicated that finger pinch meter and range of motion were positively increased by keyboard playing. Two participants recorded significant decreases in arthritic discomfort after playing, while three participants showed significant improvement in finger velocity and hence, finger strength/dexterity due to treatment. Participants enjoyed the treatment with enjoyment ratings of 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale. Additional benefits included improved structure of leisure time and increased socialization for older adults with osteoarthritis who tend to isolate themselves due to disease deterioration.