Use Music to Up Your Running Game

Here’s what researchers at the University of Edinburgh did: They performed two tests. The first test examined the effects of music on interval running capacity in nine physically active participants. The subjects alternated between high-intensity running and lower-intensity jogging. The second test involved nine trained runners who completed a 5-kilometer time trial.

The research team helped the participants choose motivational songs (using a pre-test questionnaire that asked the subjects to rate style, rhythm, tempo, melody, sound, and the beat of the music). Both group members performed a 30-minute computer-based cognitive test that put them in a state of mental fatigue. The participants then performed high-intensity exercises with or without self-selected music.

The exercising subjects had assessments at several points during physical activity, focusing on heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).

The results are clear: The mentally fatigued exercisers who used music had better running capacity (compared with those who did not use music). The music users had exercise capacity similar to that of subjects who were not mentally fatigued. The 5K runners also had time-trial performances that improved slightly with music.

The researchers postulate that the positive effects of music may be secondary to an altered perception of effort when we listen to tunes. Personally, when I have mental fatigue, it affects activities such as exercise. I love that music serves as an effective way to reduce this influence.

Listening to self-selected motivational music may help active folks improve their endurance running performance when mentally tired. I look forward to hearing more about how music works in various settings. Thank you for joining me today.

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