Effects of Music on Physiological and Perceived Exertion Responses to Varying Exercise Modes

Abstract

Music is considered a motivational stimulator during exercise and a distraction from the discomfort and fatigue caused by physical activity. Previous studies have examined these effects, especially in terms of intensity, but few have compared a variation of exercise mode. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of music on perceived exertion (RPE) and blood pressure (BP) responses during three different modes of aerobic exercise at a prescribed moderate intensity of exercise heart rate. METHODS: Eight relatively physically active students performed a submaximal Astrand cycle ergometer (BE) test and three moderate intensity (75% of predicted HRmax), submaximal steady state exercise sessions in a randomized fashion on a treadmill, rpm independent workload BE, and elliptical trainer (ET) with and without music. Heart rate (HR) and BP were measured before, twice during, and immediately following the activity while RPE (peripheral and overall) was assessed at three times during each exercise bout. To simulate realistic exercise conditions, visual and auditory distractions were not eliminated from the environment. Statistical analysis consisting of ANOVA and t-tests were performed with significance set at the .05 level. RESULTS: HR was kept within the desired target range for each condition and exercise session (151.3 ± 6.2 with music and 149.8 ± 7.1 without, mean ± SD). Overall RPE values with music (11.6 ± 1.9, 12 ± .7, and 12.7 ± 2.1 for the treadmill, ET, and BE, respectively) were similar (not significantly different) to those without music 12.8 ± 1.9, 12.5 ± 2.2, and 12.6 ± 2.1, in the same order). Peripheral RPE scores were similarly not significantly different for the treatment conditions. Systolic BP was higher with music during BE and ET but not significantly different (means = 145.1 vs. 139.8 and 137.8 vs 133.5 mmHg, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results support previous research studies (Copeland and Franks, 1991) that have not found an effect of music in lowering RPE in trained individuals (Matesic and Cromartie, 2002) during exercise. It is possible that the stimulatory and distractive qualities of music together negate each other's effect on RPE, especially in typical non-sterile surroundings. Musical stimulation of BP may vary according to mode and should be further investigated.