The Effects of Classical Music on Pain and Spinal Mobility During Stretching Exercises in Healthy Individuals

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the immediate effects of listening to classical music as a cognitive relaxation technique during stretching exercises on trunk flexibility and exercise-induced pain. Method: This study was a randomized controlled trial in which 34 healthy male and female individuals aged between 18-22 years were divided into two groups: classical music listening group (n=17) and control group (n=17). Both groups performed static stretching exercises on the lumbal region and hamstring muscle groups for a total of 15 minutes. During the exercise, participants in the Classical Music Group listened to music with headphones. Control group did not listen to any music. Both groups underwent evaluation of their forward (Sit Reach Test) and lateral trunk flexibility (Trunk Lateral Flexion Test) before and after the exercise. Pain intensity during exercise was measured with Visual Analog Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the R-Studio 1.4.1103 program, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: In both groups, there was an increase in all flexibility values compared to before the stretching exercise (p<0.001). Classical Music Group demonstrated greater improvements in flexibility values compared to the Control Group, except for the forward flexibility of the trunk (p<0.05). The two groups had no significant difference in pain levels experienced during static stretching exercises (p>0.05). Conclusion: Performing stretching exercises while listening to classical music has been shown to increase the pain threshold. This decreased sensation of pain resulting from exercise can also lead to increased flexibility.