This article looks at the effect of music during a warm-up and how it affects performance
What’s the deal?
Most people listen to music either before or during sports. This either puts you in the zone and/or makes you feel happy and motivated throughout. But can the type of music you listen to (in relation to your music preference) affect your performance?
What did they do?
12 participants were asked to rank music genres (e.g. rap/hip-hop, rock and roll etc) based on their preference. Using a rowing machine, they then completed a 5-minute warm up whilst listening to either their preferred music (PREF), their least preferred music (NON-PREF), or no music at all. They then completed a 2000m row (without music) as fast as possible and the time taken to complete was compared across all music options.
What happened?
PREF music led to participants completing the 2000m row faster than no music. NON-PREF music had no benefit compared to no music. Motivation to exercise and average heart rate were also higher with PREF music compared to no music.
What can you tell me about the people?
6 males and 6 females, aged 21 on average, in good health and with an average BMI of 23.5.
What else should I know?
The 2000m row took 9 minutes 19 seconds on average with no music and was on average 25 seconds faster with PREF music. This is maybe a 5% improvement.
What will I do differently?
Depending on the event, I think I’m now less likely to be as flexible on carpool music choices!
Acknowledgements
This research was published in June 2020 by MC Karow and colleagues from the Department of Kinesiology, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, United States.
This article highlights our personal take on their research, but there is so much more information available! Check it out here and see what you think!
Abstract Athlete 