Adaptation of the Corticomuscular and Biomechanical Systems of Pianists

Independent control of movements between the fingers plays a role in hand dexterity characterizing skilled individuals. However, it remains unknown whether and in what manner neuromuscular and biomechanical constraints on the movement independence of the fingers depend on motor expertise. Here, we compared motor dexterity, corticospinal excitability of multiple muscles, muscular activation, and anatomical features of the fingers between the pianists and nonpianists. When the ring finger was passively moved by a robot, passive motions produced at the adjacent fingers were smaller for the pianists than the nonpianists, indicating reduced biomechanical constraint of fingers in the pianists. In contrast, when the ring finger moved actively, we found no group difference in passive motions produced at the adjacent fingers; however, reduced inhibition of corticospinal excitability of the adjacent fingers in the pianists compared with the nonpianists. This suggests strengthened neuromuscular coupling between the fingers of the pianists, enhancing the production of coordinated finger movements. These group differences were not evident during the index and little finger movements. Together, pianists show expertise-dependent biomechanical and neurophysiological adaptations, specifically at the finger with innately low movement independence. Such contrasting adaptations of pianists may subserve dexterous control of both the individuated and coordinated finger movements.