Music applications for athletes

Music applications for athletes

Empirical and anecdotal evidence of the benefits of music for athletes has grown over the past decade. Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian of all time, listens to music until about two minutes before his races start
and has attributed part of his phenomenal success to this practice. The aim of this presentation is to demonstrate ways in which the evidence base can be applied in practice. A range of evidence-based music applications for
athletes is discussed. First, use of inspirational music is presented, giving examples from bobsled and trap shooting. Secondly, manipulation of pre-competition mindset using music is explained, giving examples from
rowing, boxing and athletics. Thirdly, the role of music in rehabilitation from injury is exemplified, based on work with a six-time kayak world champion incapacitated by chronic fatigue syndrome and unable to compete. Fourthly, the incorporation of innovative use of technology to enhance the effects of music is presented and discussed. Brainwave training utilising the flicker response delivered via custom-made glasses to promote alpha wave
activity was shown to be an effective mood regulation strategy when used in conjunction with music among shooters at the 2006 Asian Games. Similarly, music used in conjunction with analysis of EEG activity was utilised among shooters preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games. Firstly, individualised links between brain activity and best shots were assessed using on-range EEG analysis, followed by neurofeedback training (NFT) to promote ideal
brain activity. Next, music with associations of winning was used during NFT to promote a conditioned response. This music was then used as a pre-task stimulus to promote ideal brain activity during performance. Finally, a
recent innovation has incorporated appropriate music, words and photographs into a PowerPoint presentation, converted it into an mp4 file and loaded the presentation
onto a mobile phone for viewing by the athlete as and when required. The principles and practice of using music interventions with athletes has been demonstrated and
discussed. The evidence-based examples described in this presentation provide a guide for applied sport psychology practitioners to implement music interventions with elite
athletes.

Only abstracts published in conference proceedings, as supplied here.