Postural Sway of Percussionists: A Preliminary Investigation
The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the differences, if any, in postural sway across percussive exercises varying in complexity, and (2) to examine the influence of a flexibility program on the postural sway of percussionists. Fourteen percussion majors from a university music department were assigned into two groups. Participants in the flexibility-training group participated in a 5-week flexibility program. The remaining participants served as a control group. All participants performed a pretest and posttest under eight separate conditions (ranging in complexity) while standing on a force platform. Comparisons of postural sway across percussive exercises revealed several differences that may have implications for skill development and performance. Statistically significant differences were not found between the flexibility and control groups; however, subjective observations revealed an increase in the flexibility group’s awareness of their own posture, muscle tension, aches and pains. Consequently, further exploration in this area is warranted.