The Effect Of Auditory Stimuli On Anaerobic Performance

Although verbal encouragement and music are often used during exercise training and sports participation, the impact of auditory stimuli on physical performance has not demonstrated positive performance outcomes. However, the effect of an individual's preferred music choice vs. verbal encouragement has not been investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of preferred music and verbal encouragement on the Wingate Anaerobic Power Test (WAPT) performance in collegiate athletes. METHODS: 20 participants (Age: 21.7 ± 1.3 yrs, Height: 177.2 ± 9.4 cm, Body mass: 80.6 ± 11.1 kg) completed this randomized, crossover design study. Following familiarization, participants were randomly assigned to complete a WAPT under one of the following conditions: Preferred Music (PM), Verbal Encouragement (VE), or Silent Control (C) with a minimum of 48 hours between trials. The WAPT was conducted on a Lode Cycle Ergometer loaded at 100 g/kg. (VE) or (PM) was played through noise canceling headphones. Verbal trials included a pre-recording of clapping and motivational shouting including phrases such as “you got this”, “push,” and “keep going”. For the music trials, songs were determined by the participant’s preference. Each participant was required to pick 30 seconds of a song of their choice. Participants completed a Brunel Music Rating Inventory to rate the motivational component of their preferred music. RESULTS: Statistical analysis by ANOVA revealed no significant differences among experimental trials (p > .05) - Mean Power (MP) watts Peak Power (PP) watts Relative Peak Power (RPP) watts Fatigue Index (FI) % C 674.0 ± 153.7 942.9 ± 223.2 11.8 ± 2.4 51.3 ± 13.1 VE 671.9 ± 150.0 943.7 ± 234.3 11.7 ± 2.4 49.3 ± 15.9 PM 675.9 ± 152.5 950.0 ± 260.2 12.1 ± 2.7 49.1 ± 13.4 CONCLUSION: The use of music and/or verbal encouragement does not seem to benefit short term anaerobic performance.