A study of the effect of relaxing music on heart rate recovery after exercise among healthy students.

Author: Tan F1, Tengah A1, Nee LY1, Fredericks S2.
Affiliation:
1PAPRSB Institute of Health Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei Darussalam. 2PAPRSB Institute of Health Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei Darussalam. Electronic address: salim.fredericks@ubd.edu.bn.
Conference/Journal: Complement Ther Clin Pract.
Date published: 2014 May
Other: Volume ID: 20 , Issue ID: 2 , Pages: 114-7 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.01.001 , Word Count: 150


Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Music has been employed in various clinical settings to reduce anxiety. However, meta-analysis has shown music to have little influence on haemodynamic parameters. This study aimed at investigating the effect of relaxing music on heart rate recovery after exercise.
METHOD:
Twenty-three student volunteers underwent treadmill exercise and were assessed for heart rate recovery and saliva analysis; comparing exposure to sedative music with exposure to silence during the recovery period immediately following exercise.
RESULTS:
No differences were found between music and non-music exposure regarding: heart rate recovery, resting pulse rate, and salivary cortisol. Music was no different to silence in affecting these physiological measures, which are all associated with anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS:
Relaxing music unaccompanied by meditation techniques or other such interventions may not have a major role in reducing anxiety in certain experimental settings.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Cortisol, Heart rate recovery, Music therapy, Saliva

PMID: 24767956

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