Keep on running: benefits of music for exercise and sport

Keep on running: benefits of music for exercise and sport

Music is frequently used as an accompaniment to exercise and by athletes as part of their preparation for competition. A recent metaanalysis of the extant literature in the exercise and sport domains has identified robust, small-to- moderate benefits of music in the areas of psychological responses, perceived exertion, and physical performance, plus small but significant
benefits to physiological functioning. This symposium addresses the scientific basis for music use in exercise and sport, as well as presenting a range of applied examples. A conceptual model will be presented, which
identifies the personal and situational variables
that influence a range of potential benefits of music. The effects of variables, such as rhythm response, musicality, cultural impact, and associations, are also explained. Paper 1 presents an evaluation of the effects of
synchronous music on endurance and feeling states during circuit exercises, which particularly assesses the influence of gender. Paper 2 reports on a study of the influence of familiarity on the arousal and relaxation qualities of music, during imagery use. Paper 3 presents the results of a laboratory investigation of the psychological, physiological and performance benefits of music synchronized to stride rate among elite triathletes. Paper 4 focuses on music applications for athletes, including those that incorporate innovative use of technology. A discussant will provide concluding remarks.
There are three learning objectives for this symposium. Following attendance, participants should be able to: 1) explain the scientific underpinnings for music use in exercise and sport; 2) understand the findings of three
empirical investigations of music use in exercise and sport; 3) Know the basics of implementing music interventions with exercisers and athletes.

Only abstracts published in conference proceedings, as supplied here.