Psychological Effects of Music in Exercise and Sports Performance

Abstract

Purpose: The general purpose of this study was to examine the psychological effects of music in exercise and sports performance. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to technology and traditional arts in modern sporting events. Preliminary empirical review revealed that music significantly influences psychological states during physical activity. It found that music with faster tempos and motivational lyrics enhanced arousal, mood, and performance outcomes such as endurance and coordination. Additionally, personalized music interventions tailored to individual preferences maximized the performance-enhancing effects of music. The study emphasized the importance of considering both psychological and physiological responses to music in designing effective interventions for optimizing performance outcomes and promoting exercise adherence. Overall, the findings highlighted the intricate relationship between music and exercise performance and suggested potential avenues for future research in this area. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of Arousal Regulation, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Attentional Focus may be used to anchor future studies on psychological effects of music in exercise and sports performance. The study provided comprehensive recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field. Through theoretical development, the study refined existing frameworks such as the Theory of Arousal Regulation and Self-Determination Theory, deepening our understanding of how music influences psychological states in athletic contexts. Practical guidelines were established to integrate music into athlete preparation routines, emphasizing personalized playlists and warm-up protocols to optimize performance outcomes. Policy implications highlighted the need to institutionalize music-based interventions in sports programs, promoting athlete well-being and enjoyment. Furthermore, the study identified future research priorities, evaluation frameworks, and public health initiatives to advance the integration of music into exercise and sports settings, fostering physical activity participation and overall health.