EFFECTS OF TEMPO AND DRUMMING PATTERN UPON THE ENERGY COST AND GROUND REACTION FORCE OF JAPANESE DRUM PLAYING EXERCISE

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Several investigators have shown the physiological and biomechanical data in music instrumental playing so far (Bejjani & Halpern, 1989; Bouhuys, 1969). However, little quantitative information exists as to the responses to this unique type of exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of tempo and drumming pattern upon the energy cost and ground reaction force of Japanese drum playing exercise. METHODS Seven virtuosi players performed playing a huge Japanese drum with a pair of large wooden sticks (0.53 kg) at three tempos by three drumming patterns so as to keep a given sound level of 120 dB. Oxygen uptake was determined with Douglas bag technique and ground reaction force was recorded using a strain-gauge type force plate. RESULTS As for tempo and drumming pattern, no significant difference was observed in any physiological variables involving the energy cost. Maximum vertical ground reaction force showed significant difference among tempos (p<0.05), and also the difference of drumming patterns would have significant effect on the displacement of the body's center of gravity in both the vertical and the A-P directions (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Therefore, it was concluded that energy cost and ground reaction force of Japanese drum playing exercise resulted from not only arm work but also cyclic oscillations of center of mass of the body. REFERENCES Bejjani, F. J. & Halpern, N. (1989). Postural kinematics of trumpet plaving. J. Biomechanics. 22(5): 439-446. Bouhuys, A. (1969). Phvsiologv and musical instruments Nature. 221 : 1199-1205.