The effects of music and video on perceived exertion and performance of a cycling task at vigorous intensity

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Enoch C. Chow (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Jennifer Etnier

Abstract: Physical activity can benefit all individuals by increasing their physical, mental, and emotional health. Therefore, finding ways to increase physical activity is a popular area of research. Researchers have found that using dissociative attentional strategies is effective in increasing physical activity. According to research, when administered individually music and video (dissociative strategies) are both effective in decreasing an individual's perceived exertion and increasing performance at low to moderate intensity activity. However, at vigorous intensities the results are less consistent. The potential effects of music and video presented simultaneously have not been compared to the effects of either in isolation. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in attentional focus and perceived exertion during vigorous intensity exercise as a function of being exposed to music, video, both (music and video), or nothing. Results showed that at vigorous intensity, participants in the condition that received both music and video perceived significantly lower exertion (RPE) and has a significantly more dissociative focus than did participants in the other three conditions. There was no significant difference amongst the other conditions. It was concluded that even at vigorous intensity exercise, a participant could use music and video to enhance their use of dissociative strategies and to perceive less exertion. The result of perceiving less exertion could lead to increased exercise adherence, which could have important implications for public health.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2012
Keywords
Cycling Task, Music, Perceived Exertion, Video, Vigorous Intensity
Subjects
Physical fitness $x Psychological aspects
Exercise $x Psychological aspects
Cycling $x Psychological aspects

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