Does Music-Based Cadence Entrainment Alter Metabolic Intensity?

Abstract

The relationship between cadence (steps/min) and intensity (metabolic equivalents; METs) has been primarily established with controlled treadmill-based studies. It may be possible to use music to shape performance of overground walking cadence and thus prescribe intensity. PURPOSE: To evaluate overground walking cadence entrainment to music at different tempos (beats per min; BPM) and its ability to evoke intensity in a predictable manner. METHODS: Ten participants (6 men, 4 women; age 22.6±1.9 years, height 172.5±11.8 cm, weight 79.3±18.8 kg) completed six 5-minute walking trials around an oval track (40 m). During three trials, participants listened to a single song and matched their foot strikes to the beat of the music. The song tempo was modulated to 80, 100, and 125 BPM (randomized) using a commercially available app. Participants were outfitted with a portable indirect calorimeter to measure intensity (METs). Cadence during all trials was measured via direct observation (hand tally). Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was calculated to compare the accuracy of participants’ entrainment (prescribed versus actual cadence). A simple linear regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between cadence and intensity. RESULTS: Participants successfully entrained to the cadences prescribed by the song tempo, especially at faster speeds (MAPE = 3.85±5.63, 3.12±2.88 and 2.63±2.31 for 80, 100 and 125 BPM, respectively). Increased music tempo was associated with a linear increase in intensity across all trials (y=0.16x - 2.14, r2=0.63, p<0.001). MET values for 80, 100 and 125 BPM were 3.23±0.44, 3.84±0.59, and 5.27±0.78, respectively. CONCLUSION: Participants successfully entrained to the modulated tempo of a single song, and faster music tempos elicited increased intensity. Based on these findings, music entrainment appears to be an effective method for evoking desired cadences during walking. The findings further suggest that music may be selected according to its potential to evoke specific intensities of ambulation. Future studies should examine the relationship between music entrainment and intensity with various song styles.