Music listening reduces biochemical and perceptual responses to a single intensified interval training

Abstract

Background. Music listening is a helpful way for reduction of psychological tension state anxiety, and improvement of mood state in humans, who often experience worries, threats or anticipating stressful events. Few is known about effect of music listening on both biochemical and perceptual responses to high intensity interval training session among females practicing combat sports. The purpose of this study was to verify hypothesis that listening music during training lowers psycho-physiological stress markers. Material and methods. 16 female boxers took part in two 1-hour high intensive interval training separated 3 day apart. These sessions were of the same structures, loads, in­ten­sities. Athletes were assigned into two equal sub-groups and performed sessions with special selected dance music (MS) and without it (non-MS) Capillary blood samples were taken directly before and after training. Plasma cortisol (C), glucose (Glu) and blood lactate (LA) were determined in the samples.10-point scale was used for self-reported Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Results. When the training session was accompanied music, the post-session increments of C and Glu and post-session RPE were significantly lower. The impact of music on LA was not statistically significant. Conclusions. The lowered reactivity of markers of exercise stress such as C, Glu levels and RPE scores in response to training with preferred music confirmed beneficial effect of music use in female athletes performing an intensive workout. This reduction of psychological component of exercise stress may improve a training tolerance.