Effects of Respite Music on Repeated Upper-body Resistance Exercise Performance

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Auditory Stimulation

Background:

• Music's ergogenic effects are well-documented in endurance activities.
• Limited research exists on music's impact during resistance training rest periods.
• Understanding music's role in explosive power and motivation during resistance exercise is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of self-selected respite music (RM) on upper-body resistance exercise performance.
• To determine if listening to music during rest intervals influences key performance and psychological variables.
• To assess music's impact on barbell velocity, repetitions to failure (RTF), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE).

Main Methods:

• A crossover, counterbalanced study design involving 10 resistance-trained males.
• Participants completed bench press trials under two conditions: no music (NM) and respite music (RM) during 2-minute rest periods.
• Measures included mean barbell velocity, RTF, RPE, and motivation, with barbell velocity assessed using a linear position transducer.

Main Results:

• Mean barbell velocity was significantly higher in set 2 and set 3 when listening to RM compared to NM.
• Motivation levels were significantly elevated following set 2 and set 3 with RM versus NM.
• No significant differences were observed in RTF or RPE between the RM and NM conditions.

Conclusions:

• Listening to music during recovery intervals enhances subsequent explosive resistance exercise performance.
• Self-selected respite music can be an effective tool for optimizing performance and motivation during resistance training.
• Music during rest periods may serve as a potent psychological strategy to improve training and competition outcomes.