Effect of Music during Exercise on Perceived Dyspnea and Fatigue of the Lower Extremities

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of music on the perception of dyspnea, fatigue of the lower extremities and expired gas analysis during walking. [Subjects and Method] In a crossover study, 13 young males completed ESWT with and without music at 40% VO_2peak followed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test. [Results] Perceptions of dyspnea and fatigue of the lower extremities were significantly lower under the music condition compared to the without music condition. Similarly, the music condition resulted in significantly higher enjoyment when compared to the without music condition. The influence of the music increased with increasing exercise duration. VO₂/W was significantly higher with music than without music, but the other expired gas analysis data did not differ with listening to music. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that listening to music during exercise would enable longer exercise duration with decreased fatigue and increased enjoyment.