Music increases sporting performance levels by up to 20 per cent
21 October 2005 Download this press release Brunel academics research shows that getting a personal play list right can: Increase performance levels by up to 20 per cent Reduce feelings of tiredness Improve ones ability to acquire motor skills If you’re in the gym and you’re not working as hard as you might, you may be listening to the wrong type of music, says a Brunel University academic.
According to recent research by Dr Costas Karageorghis, gyms should look more closely at tailoring the music they play to fit clients’ demographics and their exercise intensity. Listening to the right songs before and during exercise will not simply reduce feelings of tiredness, it will increase performance levels by up to 20 per cent.
It is widely recognised that music can have an impact on our international sporting stars’ performance. However, Dr Karageorghis’s work not only provides a scientific explanation for the phenomenon, it also reveals that individuals need to create their own play list according to their personal music preferences and the intensity of activity they are engaged in.
James Cracknell, who rowed to glory and into the record books at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, said that listening to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” was an integral part of his pre-race preparation.
The music brought his arousal and aggression up to an optimal level while also shutting him off from the pre-race hullabaloo.
What’s the science behind this?
The relationship between heart rate and music preference is key to maximising the psychological benefits of music.
The research results show that fast tempo music is preferred at high exercise intensities of around 75 per cent max heart rate, with slower music preferred during recovery and stretching periods, during which heart rate is lower.
In particular, the research from Dr Karageorghis shows that:
1. Music can narrow attention and divert your mind from sensations of fatigue
2. Music can be used as a form of stimulant prior to training (loud, upbeat music) or as a sedative to calm feelings of anxiety or nervousness (soft, slow music)
3. Synchronising work rates to music increases performance levels. Music tempo regulates movement and thus prolongs performance
4. Music can enhance the acquisition of motor skills and create a better environment in which to learn new skills. “It’s no secret that music inspires superior performance. Just as the association between a first love and your song can be very strong, so is the relationship between music and sporting performance levels. The sound of ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’ reverberating around a rugby stadium is an example of how music can provide great inspiration and instil pride in the players,” says Dr Karageorghis of Brunel University’s School of Sport and Education.
“However, our recent research shows that there’s no definitive playlist for today’s gym goers or tomorrow’s sporting heroes. Songs are particular to an individual – they are not prescriptive.
So it’s up to the individual to select songs that drive them and inspire them. To maximise performance levels, aligning high and low tempo music to your training programme as appropriate can be very effective – listen to up-tempo music at times of high intensity and low-tempo during recovery times.
I have recently used this technique with my own athletes for a tough weekly circuit training session and the upshot was an 18 per cent improvement in adherence,” says Dr. Costas Karageorghis.
“The natural extension to this is that gyms should work to tailor music to their clients – both in terms of providing music that appeals to the majority of their users, but also tailoring the music to the specific activities being carried out.
For instance those on running machines should listen to music with a very fast tempo, whilst those who are weight training would benefit from medium tempo music coupled with inspirational lyrics.
Rather than blasting out the same music loudly in all areas of the gym, it would be better to turn the volume down so those on the treadmills and bicycles can tune into personal music selections, while those in weight training rooms can hear the uplifting beat of the background music.“
Examples of songs that can be used effectively at different exercise intensities are:
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Notes to Editors For further information, please contact Alex Coulson on Tel: 0208 233 5964; 07808 738 937 or email: alex.coulson@sbi.co.uk; or, Hannah Marshall at Communications Management, email: hannah@communicationsmanagement.co.uk. Tel: 01727 738552; or the Brunel University Press Office: press-office@brunel.ac.uk, 01895 274000. |
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