Effects of synchronous music on treadmill running among elite triathletes

Effects of synchronous music on treadmill running among elite triathletes

Research has shown that running in time to music that is synchronized to stride rate can provide significant benefits for sub-elite athletes, although it is uncertain whether such benefits also accrue for elite performers. The
present study evaluated the effects of running in time to music on a treadmill using a range of psychological, physiological and performance indices among a sample of elite triathletes. An initial test was conducted to establish aerobic capacity and individual stride rates at various running speeds. Triathletes were presented
with music selections of appropriate tempi for each running speed (i.e., synchronous music), and chose tracks they considered to be (a) motivational, and (b) neutral. They then completed a standardised running test on
three occasions in counterbalanced order under three conditions (no-music, motivational music, neutral music). The test protocol involved a warm-up, three 4-minute periods of steady state running at progressively faster
velocities, followed by a run-to-exhaustion at approximately 110% of blood lactate threshold. Dietary intake was controlled over the day preceding each test. Measures were taken after each 4-minute period of steady
state running and after the run-to-exhaustion for (a) perceived exertion using the Borg Scale; (b) psychological state using the Feeling Scale; (c) oxygen utilization; and (d) blood lactate. Time to exhaustion was recorded and mood
responses were assessed prior to and following each test, using the Brunel Mood Scale. Perceived exertion was lower with music than without music even though the same amount
of work was completed. Feelings remained more positive throughout the test with motivational music compared to neutral music and no-music. Oxygen consumption was about
3% lower when running in time to music compared to running without music, although blood lactate levels remained almost identical. Compared to the no-music condition, time-toexhaustion improved by more than 12% when running in time to music. Mood responses were more positive with music. Results confirmed the hypothesized benefits of music
but suggested that synchronicity of the music to the activity may be more important in functional terms than the motivational qualities of the music.

Only abstracts published in conference proceedings, as supplied here.