International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 11(5), pp. 1002 - 1010
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2023.110508
Reprint (PDF) (535Kb)

Effects of Music on Performance and Perceived Exertion

Elton Spahiu ^1,*, Ferdinand Mara ², Altin Erindi ^3
1 Department of Physical Activity, Recreation and Tourism, Sports University of Tirana, Albania
² Department of Movement and Health, Sports University of Tirana, Albania
³ Department of Kinesiology, Sports University of Tirana, Albania

ABSTRACT

The inspirational power, mood regulation and even healing ability of music have been acknowledged for a long period. In addition, several studies have attempted to investigate the effects of music on physical activity. Research shows that music can decrease perceived exertion during exercise, enabling exercisers to engage in physical activity for longer periods of time and at higher intensity. However, individual factors like musical preference, level of fitness, and the kind of physical activity being done may affect how music affects perceived exertion. This study aims to determine whether listening to music while cycling on an exercise bike has an effect on the level of perceived exertion. Thirty undergraduate students, 12 males and 18 females, were randomly selected to participate in two cycling trials with music and without music. A 6-minute Astrand Test was used to measure VO₂ max throughout the cycling performance. VO₂ max was measured while exercising both without music and to music. Dependent t-tests were used for data analysis on the raw data in order to compute and compare mean values of the sample. The findings of this study show that, listening to music has no substantial impact on cycling performance. These go contrary to most studies that speak of a beneficial effect of music in reducing the amount of exertion perceived while engaging in strenuous activity. However, various other factors such as training protocol, type of exercise, music genre, and personal characteristics may affect the results obtained.

KEYWORDS
Music, Cycling, Perceived Exertion, VO₂ Max, Genre

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Elton Spahiu , Ferdinand Mara , Altin Erindi , "Effects of Music on Performance and Perceived Exertion," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 11, No. 5, pp. 1002 - 1010, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2023.110508.

(b). APA Format:
Elton Spahiu , Ferdinand Mara , Altin Erindi (2023). Effects of Music on Performance and Perceived Exertion. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 11(5), 1002 - 1010. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2023.110508.