Exercise and music

Exercise and music has been the subject of some research as to whether it can improve the quality of exercise and the person's performance and motivation. Exercise to music is sometimes used as a synonym for aerobics. With the advent of the portable media player, solo exercising to music has become easier and more popular.
Research has confirmed some benefits to exercising to music. In a study by Porcai and colleagues, presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Kansas, Mo. in 2003, healthy volunteers listened to music of various tempos while they worked out on stationary bicycles. The researchers found that the cyclists pedaling speed increased as the music tempo increased. Their heart rates and power outputs also varied.<ref name=Porcai2003 />
Len Kravitz, PhD, Associate Professor of Exercise Science at the University of New Mexico, in an article on the university’s website (The Effects of Music on Exercise?), cited a survey of 70 college students enrolled in an aerobic dance class.<ref name=Gfeller1988 /> In his summary he states, “97% of the students felt (perceived influence) that the music affected their performance during aerobic activity. Respondents identified the following factors which influenced their aerobic performance: music style (97%), rhythm (94%), tempo (96%), lyrics (77%), volume (66%), mood (37%), and melody (17%). The results of this study support previous research that indicates that music benefits students from a motivational standpoint,<ref name=Nelsonetal1963 /> although not always from a physiological perspective.
Running to music has been somewhat controversial. Some people find it fun, exhilarating, and motivating. Others prefer listening to the natural sounds around them, entering a meditative state, or enjoying peace and quiet (in the appropriate settings). There are also two safety concerns. One is that music may mask other sounds that may signal danger to the runner. The other is that high volume music played through ear buds may cause inner ear injury.

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