Hutchinson, J., Sherman, T., Davis, L., Cawthon, D., Reeder, N., & Tenenbaum, G. (2009). The influence of music on a supramaximal exercise bout. ACSM 56th Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington. Presentation number 2760.

This study evaluated the influence of music on anaerobic performance using a maximal effort Wingate anaerobic test. Physically active males and females (N = 25) completed a 30-second Wingate anaerobic test under two different conditions: music and no music. The volume of the music was standardized at 75dB. The musical selection was the same for all Ss, and was selected based upon a survey of musical preferences of undergraduate students using the BMRI-2. During the task, physiological and psychological data were collected. Measures of peak power, mean power, and % power drop were obtained, while a scale questionnaire was administered immediately after the trial to gauge Ss' levels of motivation, exertion, and affect.

Peak power and mean power were significantly higher with music than without. Ss reported increased motivation and more positive affect in the music condition as opposed to the non-music condition.

Implication. Loud music can have a positive influence over high-level anaerobic performance.

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