Effects of Preferred Music Listening on Physical and Psychological Parameters in Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression
Niering M, Zirkel B, Munkelt P, Gellert F, Beurskens R, Seifert J, Glahn A
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Summary
A meta-analysis pooling 41 studies (n=855) found that preferred music listening (PML), compared to non-preferred music or no-music conditions, significantly improved reps to failure (muscular endurance), motivation, positive affect, power output, and maximal strength, while significantly reducing RPE (rate of perceived exertion). However, heterogeneity across studies was substantial (I²=75-96%), and publication bias was flagged for several outcomes, so effect sizes should be interpreted with caution.
Key findings
- 1
Reps to failure (muscular endurance) significantly increased with preferred music (SMD=1.19, 95% CI [0.47, 1.90])
- 2
RPE (rate of perceived exertion) significantly decreased with preferred music (SMD=-0.36, 95% CI [-0.65, -0.08])
- 3
Motivation (SMD=0.85) and affect/mood (SMD=1.16) also improved significantly, along with power output (SMD=0.47) and maximal strength (SMD=0.53)
- 4
Heterogeneity across studies was substantial (I²=75-96%), and publication bias was flagged for motivation, strength endurance, aerobic endurance, and power output; effects were also moderated by participant sex
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