F. I. T. Cutting Edge text

Summary 
We have presented three complementary conceptual approaches underlying the study and 
application of music in sport and exercise contexts (Karageorghis et al., 1999; Terry & 
Karageorghis, 2006; Bishop et al., 2007), which provide some guidance for future research 
endeavors. We have also established that music can be applied to exercise, athletic training, 
and sports competition in many different ways. One of the main demonstrated benefits of 
music is that it enhances psychological states, which has implications for optimizing the pre-
competition mindset and increasing the enjoyment of exercise or training activities. When 
applied synchronously, music can boost work output and make repetitive tasks, such as 
running or cycling, significantly more energy efficient. We have provided a number of 
suggestions for future research involving more detailed investigation of the psychobiological 
and neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie the benefits of music. We have also 
provided examples of how music can be applied in sport and exercise and would encourage 
others to adapt these in order to meet the needs of individuals or teams. 
 
Review Questions 
1.
What are the main constituents of music? 
2.
What were the main weaknesses associated with early research in the area of music in 
sport and exercise? 
3.
What are the documented psychological, psychophysical, psychophysiological, and 
ergogenic benefits of music? 
4.
What qualities does “motivational music” have? 
5.
Why has music sometimes been referred to by journalists as a “legal drug”? 

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6.
How does asynchronous music influence ratings of perceived exertion during 
exercise? 
7.
What is the nature of the relationship between exercise heart rate and music-tempo 
preference? 
8.
How can athletes use pre-task music to attain an optimal competition mindset? 
9.
What are the main qualities of recuperative music? 
10.
Under which circumstances might music be detrimental to performance? 

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