Meta-analysis on the effect of favorite music on the rapid recovery of injuries and muscle pains of an athlete

Motivational music (music that stimulates physical activity) was previously shown to enhance the recovery from intense exercise. The aim of the present study was to isolate the effect of rhythm (presumed to be the most effective factor of motivational music), on the recovery from intense exercise. Ten young adult active males (age: ۲۶.۱±۱.۷ years) performed ۶-minute run at peak oxygen consumption speed, at three separate visits (random order). At one visit no music was played during the recovery following exercise. In the other visits, participants listened to motivational music that was previously shown to enhance recovery (A Western CD collection of greatest hits of all times converted to dance style, ۱۴۰ BPM, strong bit, played by portable MP-۳ device using headphones at a volume of ۷۰ decibels), or only to the rhythm beats derived from the same songs. Mean heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), number of steps (measured by step counter) and blood lactate concentrations, were determined at ۳, ۶, ۹, ۱۲ and ۱۵min of the recovery.There was no difference in heart rate changes during the recovery at all conditions. Compared to the recovery without music, listening to motivational music during recovery, was associated with significant greater number of steps, lower absolute lactate levels and greater mean decrease of RPE. Listening only to rhythm beats, derived from the same music, during the recovery was associated with significant greater number of steps and lower absolute lactate levels compared to recovery without music. Music was significantly more effective than rhythm only in the absolute mean number of steps. The beneficial effect of both music and rhythm was greater towards the end of the recovery period. Results suggest that listening to music during non-structured recovery can be used by professional athletes to enhance recovery from intense exercise. Rhythm plays a very important role in the effect of music on recovery, and can be used to enhance non-structured recovery when music is unavailable, or when cultural barriers and individual music preferences may apply. The optimal music and rhythm selection is yet to be determined.

Keywords:

motivational music , rhythm , tempo , recovery , competitive sports