Effect of music on short-term maximal performance: sprinters vs. long distance runners

Purpose: We aimed to examine the effect of listening to music during a warm-up on the subsequent Wingate test performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and mood in sprinters and long-distance runners. Methods: Twenty-four participants were divided in two groups: twelve sprinters (20.1 ± 1.6 years, 178 ± 4.4 cm and 73.1 ± 5.2 kg) and twelve long-distance runners (21.2 ± 2.1 years, 175 ± 5.2 cm and 67.3 ± 6.4 kg). All participants performed two test sessions in a random order: with either a 10 min warm-up with music (MWU) or 10 min warm-up without music (NMWU). The RPE scores and responses to the POMS questionnaire (for the estimation of tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and vigor) were obtained after the Wingate test. Results: Peak and mean power increased between NMWU and MWU only in sprinters (p < 0.01). RPE scores and vigor were significantly higher during MWU in comparison with NMWU in sprinters (p < 0.05). However, fatigue was significantly lower during MWU in comparison with NMWU in sprinters (p < 0.05). For all these parameters, there was no-significant difference between MWU and NMWU in long-distance runners. Conclusion: Listening to music may enhance the subsequent short-term maximal performance in sprinters. However, music has no significant effect on performance of long-distance runners.