An Experimental Analysis of the Influence of Costume Design on the Freedom of Movement of Performers in Music Performances

Abstract

Musical performance is not only an auditory art; costume design, as a visual and ergonomic component, directly affects the performer’s stage image, expressive gesture, and technical stability. In contemporary performance spaces increasingly equipped with optical motion capture, wearable sensing, and electromagnetic tracking interfaces, the functional compatibility of costume structures with upper-limb movement has become an engineering-relevant design issue. This study quantitatively analyzes how different costume designs influence performers’ freedom of motion in cello performance. Three costumes were designed: standard concert attire, performance costume with decorative shoulder structures, and high-necked long-sleeved dress. Twelve professional cellists completed standardized performance tasks under the three conditions. A three-dimensional motion capture system collected shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, and timing deviation data, which were jointly analyzed with subjective comfort ratings. The results show that shoulder structure and sleeve configuration significantly affect upper-limb range of motion. Decorative elements most strongly restrict shoulder abduction, while high-necked long-sleeved design further reduces movement comfort and timing stability. The consistency between subjective ratings and kinematic data indicates that motion-capture-based ergonomic evaluation can provide a rigorous basis for stage costume design and for future wearable sensor integration in performance environments.