Article

As a sequential, programmed movement of fingers, keyboard playing is
a promising technique for inducing execution and a high level of coordination
during finger movements.
Also, keyboard playing can be physically and emotionally
rewarding for adolescents in rehabilitation settings and thereby motivate
continued involvement in treatment. The purpose of this study is to
evaluate the effects of keyboard playing using Musical Instrument Digital
Interface (MIDI) on finger movement for adolescents with brain damage. METHODS:
Eight adolescents with brain damage, ages 9 to 18 years (M = 13 years, SD =
2.78), in physical rehabilitation settings participated in this study.
Measurements included MIDI keyboard playing for pressing force of the fingers and
hand function tests (Grip and Pinch Power Test, Box and Block Test of Manual
Dexterity [BBT], and the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test). RESULTS: Results
showed increased velocity of all fingers on the MIDI-based test, and statistical
significance was found in the velocity of F2 (index finger), F3 (middle finger),
and F5 (little finger) between pre- and post-training tests. Correlation analysis
between the pressing force of the finger and hand function tests showed a strong
positive correlation between the measure of grip power and the pressing force of
F2 and F5 on the Grip and Pinch Strength Test. All fingers showed strong
correlation between MIDI results and BBT. For the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function
Test, only the moving light objects task at post-training yielded strong
correlation with MIDI results of all fingers. CONCLUSIONS:
The results support
using keyboard playing for hand rehabilitation, especially in the pressing force
of individual finger sequential movements. Further investigation is needed to
define the feasibility of the MIDI program for valid hand rehabilitation for
people with brain damage.

Langue : ANGLAIS