PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF MUSIC ON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Ergogenic resources are traditionally classified according to their origin and/or characteristics, classified into: mechanical, psychological, nutritional, chemical or pharmacological. Music can be considered as an ergogenic resource of a psychological nature. Currently, athletes of different levels of training and / or experience often use music as an ergogenic resource in their training sessions on different exercise models to improve performance. One of the reasons for using music during training sessions is the strong motivational factor during the practice of physical activity. Studies point to some benefits such as improved mood, excitatory control, reduced perceived exertion, and improved physical performance. In this sense, although the real mechanisms that lead music to be considered an ergogenic resource still remain unknown, music seems to have important effects on the psychological responses generated in the central nervous system, acting as a stimulating agent for the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphin. On the other hand, according to the theory of parallel processing/dissociation, the main mechanism of music over physical performance is the increase of dissociation during exercise, reducing perceptual responses processed in the brain, resulting in increased positive emotional responses throughout the task. In order to clarify these points an intentional search was made in Pubmed and Web of Science databases of articles relevant to the theme, so the present review was conducted critically to explain the main suggested mechanisms for the ergogenic action of music in 3 topics: 1) Music and perceptual responses during exercise; 2) Influence of music on exercise at different intensities; 3) Action of music on the central nervous system.