An Evaluation of Distraction Control in Experienced Cyclists During a 20 Minute Time-Trial Performance

This study examined mental toughness skills in 23 experienced road cyclists with music being introduced as a distraction. Exercisers who listen to favourable music while training have been found to experience positive physical and psychological effects, such as a decrease in heart rate and the ability to train for longer periods with lower levels of perceived effort [1]. Training with preferred music (PM) is a positive distraction [2,3]; however, training with non-preferred music [NMP] can be a negative distraction, inhibiting maximal performance outcomes [4]. Loehr [4] describes mental toughness as the ability to perform consistently at peak levels. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the effect of music as a distraction in experienced cyclists’ performance during a 20 min cycling effort, and 2) determine whether participants’ mental toughness (high vs. low) minimizes or negates the distractor’s effect on performance. Randomized interventions included PM, NPM, and no music (NM), with nine performance metrics measured. Participants completed a Physiological Performance Inventory (PPI) and Brunel’s Music Rating Inventory (BMRI) to determine levels of mental toughness and confirm music preferences. The large majority of participants revealed low mental toughness scores, performing similarly under all music conditions, with marginal increases in performance outcomes under the PM.