The Effects of Using an Ergonomic Chinrest When Playing the Violin

A one-day crossover randomised trial was conducted to compare violinists using an ergonomic chinrest (EC) with do-as-usual on muscle activation, kinematics and sound. After two weeks of testing the EC, self-perceived evaluations on comfort, performance, sound, neck alignment and muscle tension were reported in a questionnaire between EC and do-as-usual. The main question is to answer if: 1. the EC is superior compared to do-as-usual and gives a more aligned neck posture and less muscle tension/dynamic muscle activity 2. the EC is subjectively evaluated as better than do-as-usual regarding self-perceived comfort, performance and sound