Matea Karlović, Matija Jakšić and Renata Barić
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Citation
Karlović, M., Jakšić, M., Barić, R. (2016). Effect of motivational music on psychological and physiological responses during high-intensity interval training. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 47(6), 571-584. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2016.47.571
Abstract
Previous studies have shown to some extent the positive influence of music on high intensity exercise and corresponding recovery. Yet, these findings are not completely applicable to high-intensity interval exercise. The main objective of the current study was to examine the impact of motivational popular music on psychological and physiological responses to high-intensity interval training [HIIT]. 17 physically active male undergraduate kinesiology students performed a 10-min HIIT in a form of a ball-throwing task where four active phases alternated successively with four passive rest phases, in three different conditions: rest phases without music, with faster-tempo music (140-160 bpm) and slower-tempo music (90- 100 bpm). Affective response to physical activity (well-being, psychological distress and fatigue), performance efficiency of the ball-throwing task and heart rate recovery [HRR] during rest phases were measured. Both music conditions (faster- and slower-tempo) resulted in significantly lower HRR (p<0.017) and more positive well-being (p<0.017) opposed to no music condition. There were no differences in psychological and physiological responses during the HIIT between conditions with faster and slower music. Our findings suggest that listening to music in rest phases during a HIIT can improve well-being and influence the HRR. Optimal tempo and music selection as well as the HRR in high-intensity interval training is yet to be determined.
Keywords: Affective response, Heart rate recovery, High-intensity exercise, Popular music