Exploring Music Intensity on Heart Rate, Perceived Exertion and Physical Performance During Sub-Maximal Exercise

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determinate if the heart rate (HR), the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the physical performance (PP) are influenced by the music intensity, according to the hypothesis of some fitness instructors that the higher volume on the music, the better the performance or effort. The study proved the influence that had the music in 11 volunteers working out for 30 minutes on a cycloergometer by 3 random conditions: 65 decibels music (65 dB), 95 decibels music (95 dB) and a non-music (NM) control condition. The study found differences between the HR conditions (NM < 95 dB; p=0.047) and in RPE measurements (p=0.001), but it weren’t found mean effect in PP for conditions (p=0.085) and in measurements (p=0.138). These data tell us that people do the same quantity of work out with medium intensity music (65 dB), with high intensity music (95 dB) and without any music. Certainly, the volunteers maintained a higher HR during the 95 dB condition (162.8 ± 5.0 bpm) comparing with NM condition (154.3 ± 4.3 bpm). Music at high volume does not improve physical performance.