Melodic Movements: The Role of Music in Shaping Sport Performance and Psychological Responses

The application of music in sport can enhance training and competition performance. This study explored the effects of different music genres on students' emotional, psychological, and athletic performance. Motivational music (e.g., blues, jazz, classical) has reflective and complex qualities, with a tempo of 60-80 beats per minute; high-tempo music (e.g., rock, heavy metal, alternative) has intense and rebellious characteristics, with a tempo of 120-140 beats per minute; upbeat music (e.g., pop music, New German Wave), film music, and popular German music have cheerful and traditional qualities, with a tempo of 100-130 beats per minute; rhythmic music (e.g., soul/R&B, rap/hip-hop, and electronic music), have strong rhythmic features, with a tempo of 80-100 beats per minute; and self-selected music is chosen by the participants based on preference. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 400 students at Shandong Sport University (50.8% male, 49.3% female, ages 18-21) to assess demographics, music preferences (Short Test of Music Preferences), psychological responses (Sport Emotions Questionnaire (SEQ) and Attention Questionnaire (AQ-RARC), sport motivation (adapted from Gill et al., 1983), and physical performance (International Fitness Inventory). Results from the PLS-SEM analysis indicated a composite reliability (CR ≥0.7) and an average variance extracted (AVE ≥0.5), meeting the Fornell-Larcker criteria for the model's reliability and validity. Model fit indices (SRMR, RMSEA < 0.08; CFI > 0.90) and path coefficient (t-value > 1.96), confirmed significance, with an R² value > 0.3 and a Q² value > 0, demonstrating the model's explanatory and predictive power. Findings suggest that different music genres significantly enhance students' athletic performance and psychological well-being.