Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of different types of music on performance and perceived exertion during a 30 minute self-regulated exercise task. Current theory states that the aspects of music contributing most to inducing potential psychological and physiological benefits are rhythm response, musicality, cultural impact, and extra-musical associations (Terry, 2006).
Participants (N=173) completed a 30 minute self-regulated cycling task listening to either dance, motivational, country music or no music. Participants previously rated the types of music on a continuum from 1-10. At five minute intervals performance was measured by calorie expenditure, RPE via the Borg scale, and HR.
Results indicated all types of music to induce greater performance than the control group, with dance music being significantly greater than the control group (F(3, 169) = 3.075, p ? 0.05). Preference of music was not found to significantly influence performance. RPE per calorie was implemented to analyze the psychological aspect; results indicate the control (no music) group underwent the least amount of disassociation and the dance music group the most. Preference was found to significantly affect RPE and a significant negative correlation was also reported.
It was concluded that music type and preference should be considered for professionals designing programs for clients. If the objective was to increase performance, dance music should be implemented regardless of individual preference. When the objective is psychological it would be recommended to implement preferred music as the findings here indicate this makes the undesired physiological symptoms of exercise more tolerable.
