David-Lee Priest

Music in the exercise domain: a review and synthesis (Part I).

Since a 1997 review by Karageorghis and Terry, which highlighted the state of knowledge and methodological weaknesses, the number of studies investigating musical reactivity in relation to exercise has swelled considerably. In this two-part review paper, the development of conceptual approaches and mechanisms underlying the effects of music are explicated (Part I), followed by a critical review and synthesis of empirical work (spread over Parts I and II). Pre-task music has been shown to optimise arousal, facilitate task-relevant imagery and improve performance in simple motoric tasks. During repetitive, endurance-type activities, self-selected, motivational and stimulative music has been shown to enhance affect, reduce ratings of perceived exertion, improve energy efficiency and lead to increased work output. There is evidence to suggest that carefully selected music can promote ergogenic and psychological benefits during high-intensity exercise, although it appears to be ineffective in reducing perceptions of exertion beyond the anaerobic threshold. The effects of music appear to be at their most potent when it is used to accompany self-paced exercise or in externally valid conditions. When selected according to its motivational qualities, the positive impact of music on both psychological state and performance is magnified. Guidelines are provided for future research and exercise practitioners.

The BASES Expert Statement on use of music in exercise

Abstract The use of music during exercise has become ubiquitous over the past two decades and is now supported by a burgeoning body of research detailing its effects and the contingencies surrounding its use. The purpose of this statement is to present a synopsis of the body of knowledge, with selected references, and to provide practical recommendations for exercise practitioners regarding music selection. Following the identification of methodological shortcomings in early studies, researchers have been guided by new conceptual frameworks, and have produced more consistent findings as a consequence. The use of music has been found to yield ergogenic effects in the exercise domain while also promoting psychological (e.g. enhanced affect) and psychophysical (reduced ratings of perceived exertion) benefits. There is a paucity of research examining the longitudinal effects of music on key outcome variables such as exercise adherence.

Revisiting the exercise heart rate-music tempo preference relationship

Abstract In the present study, we investigated a hypothesized quartic relationship (meaning three inflection points) between exercise heart rate (HR) and preferred music tempo. Initial theoretical predictions suggested a positive linear relationship (Iwanaga, 1995a, 1995b); however, recent experimental work has shown that as exercise HR increases, step changes and plateaus that punctuate the profile of music tempo preference may occur (Karageorghis, Jones, & Stuart, 2008). Tempi bands consisted of slow (95-100 bpm), medium (115-120 bpm), fast (135-140 bpm), and very fast (155-160 bpm) music. Twenty-eight active undergraduate students cycled at exercise intensities representing 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of their maximal HR reserve while their music preference was assessed using a 10-point scale. The Exercise Intensity x Music Tempo interaction was significant, F(6.16, 160.05) = 7.08, p < .001, ηp 2 = .21, as was the test for both cubic and quartic trajectories in the exercise HR-preferred-music-tempo relationship (p < .001). Whereas slow tempo music was not preferred at any exercise intensity, preference for fast tempo increased, relative to medium and very fast tempo music, as exercise intensity increased. The implications for the prescription of music in exercise and physical activity contexts are discussed.

Revisiting the Relationship Between Exercise Heart Rate and Music Tempo Preference

Abstract In the present study, we investigated a hypothesized quartic relationship (meaning three inflection points) between exercise heart rate (HR) and preferred music tempo. Initial theoretical predictions suggested a positive linear relationship (Iwanaga, 1995a, 1995b); however, recent experimental work has shown that as exercise HR increases, step changes and plateaus that punctuate the profile of music tempo preference may occur (Karageorghis, Jones, & Stuart, 2008). Tempi bands consisted of slow (95-100 bpm), medium (115-120 bpm), fast (135-140 bpm), and very fast (155-160 bpm) music. Twenty-eight active undergraduate students cycled at exercise intensities representing 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of their maximal HR reserve while their music preference was assessed using a 10-point scale. The Exercise Intensity x Music Tempo interaction was significant, F(6.16, 160.05) = 7.08, p < .001, ηp 2 = .21, as was the test for both cubic and quartic trajectories in the exercise HR-preferred-music-tempo relationship (p < .001). Whereas slow tempo music was not preferred at any exercise intensity, preference for fast tempo increased, relative to medium and very fast tempo music, as exercise intensity increased. The implications for the prescription of music in exercise and physical activity contexts are discussed.

Concurrent validity and cross-validation of the Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire

OBJECTIVES Given the profoundly negative impact of inactivity on public health, it is important to have valid and reliable measures of lifestyle physical activity (LPA). The Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire (BLPAQ) was designed to measure planned physical activity (PPA) and unplanned physical activity (UPA). The objective of the present study was to assess the criterion-related validity of the BLPAQ. DESIGN A correlational design was employed. METHODS A sample of British leisure centre users (N=356; age range 18-69 y: mean age 26.5±10.4 y) completed the BLPAQ and two reference measures: the Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity (BQHPA) and the Godins Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). MANOVA was used to test for gender differences in LPA. Each measure was also cross-validated using a split-sample approach and the limits of agreement (LoA) method. RESULTS With the exception of the Moderate and Vigorous dimensions of the GLTEQ in the case of UPA, the remaining scores of the reference instruments were correlated with both PPA and UPA factors (p<0.05). A significant difference in levels of UPA was found between women and men (p=0.039). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that the BLPAQ subscales could be predicted by the criterion measures. The LoA analyses demonstrated satisfactory agreement between BLPAQ subscales and those of the BQHPA and GLTEQ. CONCLUSIONS The BLPAQ is a criterion- and cross-validated measure of PPA and UPA that can be used to assess the efficacy of LPA interventions by researchers and practitioners.