The Effect of Music Tempo on Heart Rate and Rating of Perceived Exertion During Submaximal Exercise

Authors

Alison Insell, Texas A & M University - KingsvilleFollow
Michael Daniel, Texas A & M University- KingsvilleFollow
Stacey A. Gaines, Texas A & M University - Kingsville
Christopher M. Hearon, Texas A&M University-KingsvilleFollow

Abstract

Many people listen to music during exercise, possibly attempting to dissociate from the activity. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of music tempo on time-to-target heart rate (THR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during submaximal exercise. METHODS: Eighteen college-age subjects were recruited (n=18). Prior to participation in the experimental trials, subjects were measured for mass, stature, and resting heart rate. Subjects then performed the Bruce Treadmill protocol on three different days to a target heart rate of 85% of predicted maximal heart rate (HR_max=220-age). Using a balanced crossover design over the three experimental trials, subjects performed one bout with fast tempo music (FST, ≥140 beats^.min^-1), one bout with slow tempo music (SLO, ≤85 beats^.min^-1), and one bout with no music (CON). THR was compared across music tempo (FST, SLO, CON) using an ANOVA with repeated measures, α=0.05. RPE at target heart rate was compared across music tempo using Friedman ANOVA by ranks, α=0.05. Adjustments to post-hoc analyses were made to maintain the experimentwise error rate at 0.05. RESULTS: THR did not differ between the experimental trials (FST=9.2±2.6 min; SLO=9.6±2.3min; CON=9.3±2.2min)(p=0.4820). RPE did differ significantly between the three experimental trials (p=0.041). Post-hoc analysis revealed specific differences between RPE at SLO (14.9±2.1) and FST (13.9±2.3), but neither SLO nor FST differed significantly from CON (14.5±2.5). CONCLUSION: The use of fast tempo music as a dissociative device while exercising does decrease RPE compared to slow tempo music, but does not change THR (i.e., submaximal heart rate). These findings are consistent with most previous research. However, the data suggest that exercising with no music at all yields a similar RPE response as exercising with fast tempo music.

Recommended Citation

Insell, Alison; Daniel, Michael; Gaines, Stacey A.; and Hearon, Christopher M. (2013) "The Effect of Music Tempo on Heart Rate and Rating of Perceived Exertion During Submaximal Exercise," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 5, Article 84.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss5/84