Music and Physical Activity

Ferguson, A.R., Carbonneau, M.R. & Chambliss, C. (1994). Effects of positive and negative music on performance of a karate drill, Perceptual Motor Skills, 78, 1217-1218.

Although athletes frequently report using music while training or before an event, laboratory studies have not detected a beneficial effect, so the influence of positive and negative music on performance of a selected karate drill was investigated in this double-blind study using 14 volunteers from two Shotokan karate schools. Each subject performed a preselected drill three times following positive and negative music and white noise in a random order. Performance of the drill was rated on a 7 item, 5-point scale by 2 raters. Differences among conditions were assessed via a within-subjects 't' test for paired scores. The subjects' self-evaluation of their performance was also examined. Enhancement of performance for both types of music over white noise was significant.

Anshel, M.H. & Marisi, D.Q. (1978). Effect of music and rhythm on physical performance, Research Quarterly, 49(2), 109-113.

The effect of synchronized and asynchronized movement to music on the ability to endure a physical task was examined. The relative work loads for 32 male and female subjects (ranging in age from 19 to 22 years) on the PWC test (physical work capacity) were calculated and used as the criterion for exercise intensity. Subjects were then assigned in counterbalanced order to each of three conditions: synchronous movement to music, asynchronous movement to music, and a control condition. A Sex by Conditions repeated-measures ANCOVA indicated that music, particularly if synchronized to physical movement, had a positive effect on the ability to endure the task and that male subjects endured longer than female subjects.

Karageorghis, C.I. & Terry, P.C. (1997). The Psychophysical Effects of Music in Sport and Exercise: A Review, Journal of Sport Behaviour, 20(1), 54-68.

Music has been widely recommended as a technique to enhance the psychophysical state of participants in sport and exercise. However, there is scant scientific evidence to clarify its proposed benefits The purpose of this paper was to present the conceptual framework underlying the psychophysical effects of music, to discuss published findings since the review of Lucaccini and Kreit (1972), and to consider limitations in previous research. Certain generalizations about the effects of music emerge. First, it appears that synchronization of submaximal exercise with musical accompaniment results in increased work output. Second, music apparently reduces the rate of perceived exertion during submaximal exercise. Third, music tends to enhance affective states at both medium and high levels of work intensity. However, the effect of asynchronous music in contributing to optimal arousal is unclear. Based on a review of related literature, it was concluded that appropriately selected music can enhance enjoyment levels and adherence to physical activity.