Developmental Changes in Finger Motor Control During Musical Expression in Early Childhood: A Quantitative Analysis Using Wearable Motion Capture

Abstract

This study investigates developmental changes in finger motor control during musical expression, focusing on metacarpal level movement. A total of 86 children aged 3-5 years participated. Finger movements were recorded using wearable motion capture technology (Meta gloves) synchronized with a 3D motion capture system. Two kinematic indicators such as total moving distance and moving average acceleration were extracted and analyzed. Statistical analyses included three-way and two-way ANOVA with facility, melody type, and age as factors, and linear mixed-effects models.

Results revealed (1) functional differentiation among metacarpals, with the fourth and fifth metacarpals exhibiting significantly greater movement magnitude and acceleration; (2) developmental increases in both indicators with age; and (3) significant effects of musical characteristics, with bright melodies and imaginative songs eliciting greater motor responses.

These findings demonstrate that fine motor dynamics are systematically related to both developmental progression and musical structure. The study provides objective indicators of embodied musical expression and offers a foundation for approaches informed data in early childhood music education.