Tip of the Month - February

Coach Monika says…

 Influence of Music on Sport Performance 

Researchers have investigated playing and listening to music during training, prior to competition or a game and the influence on athletic performance. According to the findings, there seem to be more positive than negative effects. Here are some of the positive effects:

• Can delay fatigue or increase work capacity

• Can have a number of psychophysiological effects including increased heart rate and respiration – although one needs to consider the sport event – for example, pistol or biathlon shooting – athletes have to lower their HR after the prior skiing portion

• Is a great tool that can influence emotional and physiological arousal

• Can help athletes to get into the ‘zone’

 Recommendations:

• Know the arousal level that is needed

• Create numerous playlists to suit training intensity… Relaxing playlist – low arousal... ‘Pumped up’ playlist – high arousal

• Experiment with your playlist

• Find music that relates to your movement

• Tempo of music can have an impact on movement

• High tempo music for high intensity training – low tempo music for low intensity training

• Listen to inspirational songs that have positive musical lyrics associated to adversity and triumph

• Listen to music that evokes positive emotions

• Stay ‘in tune’ with the body

• Athletes, however, need to be aware of the following:

• Pay close attention to the effects taking place, i.e., namely too little or too much arousal, which is going to impede reaching the ideal performance stage

• If music is too ‘hyped’ it may ‘mask’ potential signs of duress, overexertion, or injury