Effect of Music and Rhythm on Physical Performance

Abstract The effect of synchronized and asynchronized movement to music on the ability to endure a physical task was examined. The relative work loads for 32 male and female subjects (ranging in age from 19 to 22 years) on the PWC170 test (physical work capacity, 170 bpm) were calculated and used as the criterion for exercise intensity. Subjects were then assigned in counterbalanced order to each of three conditions: synchronous movement to music, asynchronous movement to music, and a control condition. A Sex by Conditions repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that music, particularly if synchronized to physical movement, had a positive effect on the ability to endure the task and that male subjects endured longer than female subjects.