The Effect of Music Tempo on Fatigue Perception at Different Exercise Intensities

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to clarify the effect of music tempo on runners’ perception of fatigue at different exercise intensities and while listening to music of different tempos through running experiments. Methods: This study used a within-subject two-factor experimental design with music tempo (fast music, slow music, no music) and exercise intensity (high intensity, low intensity) as independent variables and the time to fatigue perception (TFP), the difference in heart rate (HR) and the difference in the median frequency (MF) of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals as observation indexes. Eighteen participants completed a total of 108 sets of running experiments. Results: (1) The main effect of music tempo on the TFP was significant (p < 0.001). (2) The main effect of exercise intensity on the TFP was significant (p < 0.001), and the main effect on the difference in HR was significant (p < 0.001). (3) The interaction effect of music tempo and exercise intensity on the TFP was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Exercisers’ subjective perception of fatigue was affected by music tempo and the interaction between music tempo and exercise intensity, and exercisers’ objective fatigue perception was influenced mostly by exercise intensity. The findings of this study provide guidance for runners’ choice of music at different intensities of exercise. Whether it is low-intensity exercise or high-intensity exercise, listening to fast music while exercising can help runners perform better mentally and physically during their runs.

The effect of music tempo on movement flow

“…The music stimuli included fast and slow tempos. Fast tempo music was strong at a beat of 150–160 bpm; whereas slow tempo music was between a narrow range, soft, soothing, and a beat of 90–100 bpm ( Karageorghis et al, 2008 ; Wu et al, 2022 ). Based on previous studies ( Karageorghis and Jones, 2014 ; Grgic, 2022 ), one fast and one slow tempo were selected and played repeatedly at an intensity of 75 dBA.…”

“…Based on previous studies ( Karageorghis and Jones, 2014 ; Grgic, 2022 ), one fast and one slow tempo were selected and played repeatedly at an intensity of 75 dBA. The selected music was relatively simple, without lyrics, and had an upbeat style and obvious rhythm to stimulate positive emotions ( Karageorghis and Jones, 2000 ; Wu et al, 2022 ). This simple music removed personalized preferences and was more universal; simple music helped participants improve performance in repetitive endurance exercises, music without lyrics reduced the influence of lyrical content, and obvious rhythm reduced participants’ relative oxygen uptake during the experiment ( Terry et al, 2012 ).…”

“…Music can also increase the exercise tempo, improve efficiency, and decrease relative oxygen uptake ( Terry et al, 2012 ). The use of music during exercise can provide both psychological (dissociation and increased positive emotions) and functional (improved performance) benefits ( Karageorghis and Jones, 2000 ; Wu et al, 2022 ) and contribute to promoting neuromuscular efficiency during repetitive activities of long duration ( Brownley et al, 1995 ). Music is often used for preexercise activation ( Karageorghis et al, 1996 , 2010 ), postexercise relaxation, and rehabilitation ( Terry et al, 2012 ).…”

Will Music Give Me Power? Effects of Listening to Music during Active and Passive Rest Intervals on Power Output during Resistance Exercise

“…A growing body of research has demonstrated the impact of music on physiological variables, including blood pressure, heart rate respiration rate, body temperature [16], and biochemical parameters, in addition to pain sensitivity [17]. Furthermore, music has a positive effect on athletic performance, by delaying fatigue and increasing work capacity [18]. In the context of resistance training, research also indicates an ergogenic effect of listening to music.…”

Mental Fatigue Degree Recognition Based on Relative Band Power and Fuzzy Entropy of EEG

“…Electromyography (EMG) and electrocardiography (ECG) are two commonly used measures for fatigue detection. Wu et al studied the effect of musical rhythm on the subjective and objective fatigue of runners at different exercise intensities using EMG [ 3 ]. Butkevičiūtė used ECG for the identification of fatigue [ 4 ].…”