ABSTRACT
<i>Abstract</i><br><b>Objective</b> : The purpose of this study was to verify characteristics, including changes in emotional state and finger motor function, in elderly subjects over the course of piano lessons.<br><b>Methods</b> : Fifty-five healthy elderly subjects took part in this study. Subjects were assigned to either a “piano group” (total no. 32) or a “control group” (total no. 22), respectively. Piano group subjects participated in piano lessons for 3 months (total of 6 sessions). Characteristics of the elderly piano-learning subjects were analysed by noting the frequency and length of practice, by a tapping speed test and an emotion scale (the Mood Check List-Short Form 1 : MCL-S1 and the Face Scale).<br><b>Results</b> : A significant difference was found when comparing the pre-score and post-score results of the piano group with those of control group in both the MCL-S1 “anxiety” test (p=0.04) and the rapid finger tapping test (p<0.01), with the latter test results being significantly better in the piano group, with four kinds of assessment. Comparing the difference between the pre-score and post-score results for Face Scale in the piano group with that of the control group, revealed no statistically significant difference (p=0.16).<br><b>Conclusion</b> : In elderly subjects, learning piano is effective for relieving anxiety and improving finger motor tapping speed.