The effect of music on tibial accelerations in recreationally active runners

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of music on the peak tibial acceleration (PTA) and loading rate (LR) during running, along with other secondary physiological stresses. Thirty college-aged recreationally active subjects completed one continuous 30-minute treadmill bout at a self-selected intensity, with 15 minutes spent listening to music. The music order was counterbalanced. PTA, LR, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and feeling score (FS) were assessed every 3 minutes. Salivary cortisol was assessed before, during, and post-exercise. There was no difference between music and no music conditions for PTA, LR, HR, RPE, or cortisol (p>0.05). FS was significantly greater when listening to music (p<0.005), indicating more enjoyment. In conclusion, listening to music increases feelings of wellbeing but is not enough of a distracting stimulus to alter the biomechanics or physiological stress of running, indicating no heightened risk of injury.