HOW DOES MUSIC AID 5 KM OF RUNNING?
Bigliassi M, León-Domínguez U, Buzzachera CF, Barreto-Silva V, Altimari LR.
Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 2014 Jul 15.
Abstract
This research investigated the effects of music and its time of application on a 5 km run. 15 well-trained, male long-distance runners (24.87 ± 2.47 years; 78.87 ± 10.57 kg; 178 ± 07 cm) participated in the present study. Five randomized experimental conditions during a 5 km run on an official track were tested (PM: Motivational songs, applied before 5 km of running; SM: Slow motivational songs, applied during 5 km; FM: Fast and motivational songs, applied during 5 km; CS: Calm songs, applied after 5 km; CO: Control condition). Psychophysiological assessments were done before (functional near-infrared spectroscopy, heart rate variability, valence and arousal), during (performance time, heart rate and rate of perceived exertion) and after (mood, rate of perceived exertion and heart rate variability) tests. The chosen songs were considered pleasurable and capable of activating. Furthermore, they activated the three assessed prefrontal cortex areas (medial, right dorsolateral, left dorsolateral) similarly, generating positive emotional consequences via autonomous system analysis. The first 800 meters were accomplished faster for SM and FM compared to other conditions (P < 0.05); moreover, there was a high probability of improving running performance when music was applied (SM: 89%; FM: 85%; PM: 39%). Finally, music was capable of accelerating vagal tonus after 5 km of running with CS (P < 0.05). In conclusion, music was able to activate the prefrontal cortex area, minimize perceptions, improve performance and accelerate recovery during 5 km of running.