The Effect of Acute Aerobic Exercise with Music on Executive Function: The Major Role of Tempo Matching

Objective: The beneficial effects of music on executive function during exercise have been widely reported. However, little is known about the cause of the more beneficial effects. This study aims to investigate whether tempo matching is one of the reasons for the beneficial effects. Methods: 90 young adults (aged 21.54 ± 2.26 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: the slower mismatched exercise heart rate group (SMG, with music at 60–65 bpm), the matched exercise heart rate group (MG, with music at 120–140 bpm), and the faster mismatched exercise heart rate group (FMG, with music at 155–165 bpm). Then, they completed a 20-minute bout of moderate-intensity (60%–70% of maximum heart rate) aerobic exercise respectively, with corresponding musical contains. The exercise states (heart rate and rating of perceived exertion) were measured throughout experimental procedures, and emotional states, as well as the executive function (inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory), were assessed pre- and post-exercise. Results: Greater exercise states and more positive emotional states were noted in MG. Additionally, the MG gained increased executive function performance (i.e., inhibitory control and working memory). Conclusions: Tempo matching is an important element for the beneficial effects of exercise with music on executive function. People could choose music in tempo which matches heart rate during exercise to get better effects both physically and psychologically.