From simple beeps to complex sounds: Custom-designed sounds improve shuttle run test performance and perceived...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Auditory Stimuli Research

Background:

• The 20-meter shuttle run test (SRT) is a common assessment of aerobic fitness.
• Traditional auditory cues, like beep sounds, guide the SRT but may not optimize participant engagement or performance.
• Exploring novel auditory stimuli could enhance the effectiveness and user experience of fitness assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of custom-designed sounds versus traditional beep sounds on performance and affective responses during the SRT.
• To determine if auditory customization can improve key metrics like distance covered, heart rate, perceived exertion, attentional focus, and enjoyment.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three participants completed three randomized SRTs using either a traditional beep sound (stimulus A) or two custom-designed sounds (stimuli B and C).
• Key performance and affective variables including total distance, peak heart rate, perceived exertion, attentional focus, and enjoyment were measured and compared across conditions.

Main Results:

• Participants covered significantly greater distances with custom sound B compared to the traditional beep sound A (p=.001).
• Peak heart rate was higher with custom sound B (p=.032), indicating increased effort investment.
• Perceived enjoyment was significantly greater with both custom sounds (B and C) compared to the traditional beep sound (A) (p<.001).

Conclusions:

• Custom-designed auditory stimuli can enhance performance and increase enjoyment during the 20-meter shuttle run test.
• Tailored soundscapes may improve the validity and participant experience of exercise testing protocols.
• This research opens avenues for using personalized auditory feedback in fitness and sports performance evaluations.