Effects of rhythmical and extra-rhythmical qualities of music on hearth rate during stationary bike activities

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rhythmical and extra-rhythmical qualities of music on the Heart Rate (HR) and rates of perceived exertion (RPE), during sub maximal stationary bike activity. METHODS: HR of 28 female adult participants was monitored during 3 session of physical activity, performed under 3 different conditions: Hi-BPM (music with 150-170 BPM), RHYTHM (rhythmical qualities only of Hi-BPM condition) and control condition without music (CONTROL). Four parameters were analyzed: the highest HR value (High-HR), High-HR minus starting HR (ΔHR), time to reach the 75% of Maximal HR (MHR) (TimeTo75%) and time over 75% MHR (TimeOver75%). HR trend analysis was performed to evaluate differences among the three conditions. OMNICycle Scale was administered to evaluate RPE. RESULTS: MANOVA showed significant differences between the three conditions in TimeTo75%, ΔHR (p<0.01) and TimeOver75% (p<0.05). In RHYTHM and CONTROL conditions after reaching 75% MHR, the HR increase were significantly lower than Hi-BPM (p<0.01). No significant differences were found in OMNI-Cycle Scale scores of Hi-BPM and RHYTHM whereas RPE was significantly higher in CONTROL condition (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hi-BPM and RHYTHM music allowed a faster reaching of the aerobic training zone compared to CONTROL conditions. Nevertheless, after 75% MHR, extra-rhythmical qualities are necessary to maintain or to increase the working HR levels