EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL WARM-UP ON INSTANT PIANO PERFORMANCE QUALITY AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS



Purpose: Piano performance is a physical activity that requires a high level of neuromuscular coordination and endurance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a whole-body physical warm-up protocol, in addition to standard musical warm-ups (finger exercises), on pianists' momentary performance quality, perceived fatigue level, and physiological responses.
Method: The study design was single-blind, repeated-measures. Seven pianists (with at least 6 years of training) aged 18-28 participated in the study. Participants performed the same piece on consecutive days under two different conditions: (1) Control Condition (5-minute musical warm-up only) and (2) Experimental Condition (15-minute structured physical exercise + 5-minute musical warm-up). Performance quality was measured with the Piano Performance Rating Scale (PPRS) by an expert rater blinded to the conditions; perceived fatigue was measured with the Borg Fatigue Scale (BFS); and physiological stress was measured with a heart rate (HR) monitor. Pianists also completed the Piano Performance Self-Assessment Questionnaire (PPQQ).
Results: The physical warm-up condition (Experimental) showed a statistically significant improvement in PQQ scores compared to the control condition (p=0.028). Perceived fatigue (PPQ) scores were significantly lower after the physical warm-up (p=0.024). Participants' PQQ scores indicated a higher subjective assessment of their control of technique, nuance, and tempo after the warm-up. No significant differences were found between the two conditions in terms of peak heart rate during performance (p=0.799) and total duration of the piece (p=0.128).
Conclusion: Whole-body physical warm-up is an effective strategy that improves both the objective performance quality and the subjective experience of pianists. These findings suggest that pianists should be considered submaximal athletes and that piano pedagogy should include such physical preparation protocols to optimize performance and prevent potential injuries.

Keywords: Exercise, endurance, musical warm-up, pianist