Music in the exercise domain: a review and synthesis (Part I)

Abstract

Since a 1997 review by Karageorghis and Terry, which highlighted the state of knowledge and methodological weaknesses, the number of studies investigating musical reactivity in relation to exercise has swelled considerably. In this two-part review paper, the development of conceptual approaches and mechanisms underlying the effects of music are explicated (Part I), followed by a critical review and synthesis of empirical work (spread over Parts I and II). Pre-task music has been shown to optimise arousal, facilitate task-relevant imagery and improve performance in simple motoric tasks. During repetitive, endurance-type activities, self-selected, motivational and stimulative music has been shown to enhance affect, reduce ratings of perceived exertion, improve energy efficiency and lead to increased work output. There is evidence to suggest that carefully selected music can promote ergogenic and psychological benefits during high-intensity exercise, although it appears to be ineffective in reducing perceptions of exertion beyond the anaerobic threshold. The effects of music appear to be at their most potent when it is used to accompany self-paced exercise or in externally valid conditions. When selected according to its motivational qualities, the positive impact of music on both psychological state and performance is magnified. Guidelines are provided for future research and exercise practitioners.

Psychological, psychophysical, and ergogenic effects of music in swimming

“…The mechanisms underlying the effects of music were expounded in a recent two-part review paper (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012a, 2012b therefore only an overview will be provided here: The limited capacity of the nervous system has a bearing on the effects of music on attention (see Rejeski, 1985). These limitations restrict the degree to which the human organism is able to process music during high-intensity activity when fatigue-related signals overwhelm the afferent nervous system.…”

“…Psychophysical effects concern the reduction of perceptions of physical effort, which, in the music-related literature, are most often assessed using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Ergogenic effects relate to the use of music to improve physical performance by either delaying fatigue or increasing work capacity; this results in higher-than-expected levels of endurance, power, productivity, or strength (see Terry & Karageorghis, 2011).Extant work has shown that music use is not effective for some people under certain circumstances (e.g., while learning new skills) and might even be contraindicated in some instances (e.g., when it might distract users from safety-relevant information, such as on public roads; see Karageorghis & Priest, 2012a, 2012b for a review). Also, a "vitamin model" wherein a particular piece of music can be prescribed to engender certain perceptual, cognitive, or emotional responses in a listener, does not apply to this field of scientific endeavour (Sloboda, 2008).…”

“…Extant work has shown that music use is not effective for some people under certain circumstances (e.g., while learning new skills) and might even be contraindicated in some instances (e.g., when it might distract users from safety-relevant information, such as on public roads; see Karageorghis & Priest, 2012a, 2012b for a review). Also, a "vitamin model" wherein a particular piece of music can be prescribed to engender certain perceptual, cognitive, or emotional responses in a listener, does not apply to this field of scientific endeavour (Sloboda, 2008).…”

Influence of Ambient Music on Perceived Exertion During a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Session: A Randomized Crossover Study

“…A slow tempo will benefit an endurance exercise, 16 and a fast tempo will improve the work load during exercise. 17 Moreover, listening to music was demonstrated to be beneficial in various situations such as during physical exercise, 15,18 physiotherapy sessions for subjects with cystic fibrosis, 19 and rehabilitation of elderly subjects. 20 To our knowledge, its effect was not investigated during a group pulmonary rehabilitation session.…”

“…By analogy, pain perception is improved by focusing attention away from the painful stimulus. 14 The effect of music on psychologically modulated factors (mood, emotion, dyspnea) was investigated previously 15 and was related to its tempo according to the type of exercise. A slow tempo will benefit an endurance exercise, 16 and a fast tempo will improve the work load during exercise.…”