Abstract
Music is often used by exercisers and benefits physical performance. The positive effects of music on physical function are induced by the changes in motor cortex excitability while listening to music. Recent studies reveal that modulation of brain excitability in the hand is increased by music but is likely dependent on the characteristics of music tempo, preference, and the individual’s motivational state. No study has explicitly investigated whether music perceived as motivating for exercise creates changes in motor cortex excitability of the quadriceps. PURPOSE: This randomized crossover study examines the effect of the preferred music on motor cortex excitability of the quadriceps in physically active individuals. METHODS: Eleven physically active participants (age: 21.2 ± 1.5 years, weight: 61.8 ± 12.6 kg, and height: 160.9 ± 10.1 cm) were assigned to both preferred music condition (PM; music they preferred to exercise to) and non-preferred music (NPM; curated music of tempo ≤ 120 beats per minute [bpm] aimed at inducing relaxation) on separate days in random order. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was used to measure the motor evoked potential (MEP) of the rectus femoris as a neurophysiological marker of motor cortex excitability at 110%, and 120% of the Resting Motor Threshold (RMT). To assess the perception of motivation for the musical pieces used in PM and NPM, the Brunnel Music Rating Inventory (BMRI-2) was completed after each condition. A 2x3 repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted with each music conditions (PM and NPM) and three time points (before, during, and after listening to music) to determine the effects of PM on motor cortex excitability at two separate TMS intensities. Post-hoc tests with Sidak adjustments were performed when necessary. A paired t-test was used to compare BMRI-2 scores between PM and NPM. The significance level was set at ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant condition x time interaction effects at either RMT intensity (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in MEP across the three time points for both TMS intensities (pp = 0.036) and decreased after music listening (p = 0.004) from baseline. At 120% of RMT, MEP increased during music listening (p = 0.028) and remained elevated after music listening (p = 0.029) compared to baseline. A paired t-test revealed significantly higher motivational factors in PM (39.54 ± 3.5) compared to NPM (17.9 ± 6.9; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Music, regardless of preference, enhances the motor cortical excitability. While PM was perceived as more motivational for exercise than NPM, this did not significantly affect motor cortex excitability. It was observed that the tempo of PM was lower than anticipated (112.6 ± 13.26bpm), which may explain the lack of significant differences between the two conditions. These findings suggest that while musical preference and motivational perception are of interest psychologically, the tempo of the music may play a more critical role in modulating motor cortex excitability of the quadriceps. Future studies on the role of tempo in brain excitability are warranted.
Recommended Citation
Thapa, Anupama; Panhan, Ana Carolina; Lally, Erin; and Kim, Joosung
(2025)
"Music Enhances Motor Cortex Excitability in Physically Active Individuals,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 34.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/34
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons
