Affects of Varying Music Tempos on Task Performance Within Rugby Union Strength and Conditioning Training Sessions

Abstract

The present study examined the effect of varying music tempo on task performance within three strength and conditioning sessions. Seven male university rugby union participants (mean ± s) (18.7 years ± 0.75 years old) were observed throughout their normal strength and conditioning training under three different music conditions, fast tempo music, slow tempo music and no music. Task performance was measured via rate of perceived exertion (RPE), The Physical Activity Affect Scale (PAAS), off task distractions and group body language and interactions. A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed no significance between RPE (p = 0.270) in all three music conditions. PAAS mood subscales revealed no significance was found for positive affect pre (p = 0.096) and post (p = 0.251) training, negative affect pre (p = 0.136) and post (P = 0.456) training and fatigue for pre training (P = 0.594) in all three music conditions. Significance was present for fatigue post training (p = 0.026) and tranquillity pre training (p = 0.036), However, no significance was found for tranquillity post training (p = 0.386) in all three music conditions. Post hoc tests using Bonferroni correction, indicated no significance for fatigue affect post training (P > 0.05) but significance between tranquillity pre training fast and slow tempo music (p = 0.010). Off task distractions revealed no music resulted in the highest number of distractions (n = 21) compared to fast tempo music (n = 14). A Pearson’s chi-square showed no significance was found between all three music conditions. In conclusion, comparison of the mean scores suggest, that listening to fast tempo music may provide an ergogenic effect over no music by acting as a stimulant, promoting positive mood, and decreasing off-task distractions during a rugby union strength and conditioning session. Further research into a variety of team sports at different training intensities using more physiological data parameters are recommended.