music and its effects on life :: essays research papers

The effects that music has on life are unimagineable. Music has been widely recommended as a technique to enhance the psychophysical state of participants in sport and exercise. However, there is scant scientific evidence to clarify its proposed benefits The purpose of this paper was to present the conceptual framework underlying the psychophysical effects of music, to discuss published findings since the review of Lucaccini and Kreit (1972), and to consider limitations in previous research. Certain generalizations about the effects of music emerge. First, it appears that synchronization of submaximal exercise with musical accompanimentresults in increased work output. Second, music apparently reduces the rate of perceived exertion during submaximal exercise. Third, music tends to enhance affective states at both medium and high levels of work intensity. However, the effect of asynchronous music in contributing to optimal arousal is unclear. Based on a review ofrelated literature, it was concluded that appropriately selected music can enhance enjoyment levels and adherence to physical activity.The psychophysical effects of music has become an area of increased interest amongst sports researchers during the last decade. Selected research has demonstrated that music has significant psychophysical benefits during physical activity (e.g., Boutcher & Trenske, 1990; Copeland & Franks, 1991; Lee, 1989). These studies have shown that li stening to music can produce ergogenic effects in terms of improved motor performance and increased aerobic endurance, and can also enhance the exercise experience. The proposed mechanisms through which music produces psychophysical benefits include lowered perceived effort, arousal control, improved affective states, and a synchronization effect. By contrast, however, other studies have shown that music has no psychophysical benefits (Patton, 1991; Schwartz, Fernhall, & Plowman, 1990). Studies which have examined the synchronization of movement with music have consistently shown an ergogenic effect (Anshel & Marisi, 1978; Michel & Wanner, 1973; Uppal & Datta, 1990). However, a greater number of studies which have examined the effects of asynchronous (background) music have produced equivocal findings in that some studies identified psychophysical effects (e.g., Boutcher & Trenske, 1990; Copeland & Franks, 1991), whereas other studies (e.g., Patton, 1991; Schwartz, Fernhall, & Plowman, 1990) showed no effects.