Abstract
Previous research work on the ergogenic effects of music has mainly involved constant
power tests to exhaustion as dependent variables. Time trials are more externally
valid than constant power tests, may be more reliable and allow the distribution of
self-selected work-rate to be explored. We examined whether music improved starting,
finishing and/or overall power during a 10-km cycling time trial, and whether heart
rate and subjective responses to this time trial were altered by music. Sixteen participants
performed two 10-km time trials on a Cybex cycle ergometer with, and without, the
presence of a form of dance music known as “trance” (tempo = 142 beats × min-1, volume at ear = 87 dB). Participants also completed the Brunel music rating inventory
(BMRI) after each time trial in the music condition. The mean ± SD time to complete
the time trial was 1030 ± 79 s in the music condition compared to 1052 ± 77 s without
music (95 % CI of difference = 10 to 34 s, p = 0.001). Nevertheless, ratings of perceived
exertion were consistently (0.8 units) higher throughout the time trial with music
(p < 0.0005). The interaction between distance and condition was significant for cycling
speed measured during the time trial (p = 0.007). The largest music-induced increases
in cycling speed and heart rate were observed in the first 3 km of the time trial.
After completion of the BMRI, participants rated the “tempo” and “rhythm” of the music
as more motivating than the “harmony” and “melody” aspects. These results suggest
that music improves cycling speed mostly in the first few minutes of a 10-km time
trial. In contrast to the findings of previous research, which suggested that music
lowers perceived exertion at a constant work-rate, the participants in our time trials
selected higher work-rates with music, whilst at the same time perceived these work-rates
as being harder than without music.
Key words
Music - self-chosen work-rate - perceived exertion
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. January.3rd.2002
Dr. G. Atkinson
School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University
LE11 3TU
Leicestershire
UK
Email: G.Atkinson2@lboro.ac.uk
