Maladaptive Plasticity Induces Degradation of Fine Motor Skills in Musicians

Abstract. Performing music at a professional level is probably one of the most complex human accomplishments requiring extensive training periods. The superior skills of musicians are mirrored in plastic adaptations of the brain involving gray and white matter increase in sensory motor and auditory areas and enlargement of receptive fields. Motor disturbances in musicians are common and include mild forms, such as temporary motor fatigue, painful overuse injuries following prolonged practice, anxiety-related motor failures during performances, and more persistent losses of motor control, termed “dynamic stereotypes.” Musician’s dystonia is characterized by a permanent loss of motor control when playing a musical instrument linked to genetic susceptibility and to maladaptive plasticity. In this review article, we argue that these motor failures developing on a continuum from motor fatigue to musician’s dystonia require client tailored treatment and accordingly specific psychological and neurological interventions.