Music May Be Best Legal Performance Enhancement
by Bob Hanscom
September 22, 2012 - Wonder what Nicol David is listening to during her on-court warmup!? Is it something that will relax or pump her up before entering the field of battle!? Maybe both!
Did you notice how many athletes from a myriad of sports were seen wearing headphones and listening to music during practices or preparing to compete at the recent Summer Olympic Games in London? Ever wonder why so many athletes have chosen this method to help them either relax or get psyched!?
Studies have shown that in the hotbed of competition, where athletes are often very closely matched in ability, music has the potential to elicit a small but significant effect on performance. Music also provides an ideal accompaniment for training. Scientific inquiry has revealed five key ways in which music can influence preparation and competitive performances: dissociation, arousal regulation, synchronization, acquisition of motor skills, and attainment of flow.
During or prior to exercise, music can narrow attention, in turn diverting the mind from sensations of fatigue and anxiety. This diversionary technique, known to psychologists as dissociation, lowers perceptions of effort. Effective dissociation can promote a positive mood state, turning the attention away from thoughts of physiological sensations of fatigue and anxiety. More specifically, positive aspects of mood such as vigor and happiness become heightened, while negative aspects such as tension, depression and anger relieved.
Music alters emotional and physiological arousal and can therefore be used prior to competition or training as a stimulant, or as a sedative to calm anxious feelings. Music thus provides arousal regulation fostering an optimal mindset. Most athletes use loud, upbeat music to “psych up,” but softer selections to help “psych down,” as well.
Music can impact positively on the acquisition of motor skills. Think back to elementary school days and your initial physical education lessons, which were probably set to music. Music-accompanied dance and play created opportunities to explore different planes of motion and improve coordination.
There are three plausible explanations for the enhancement of skill acquisition through music. First, music replicates forms of bodily rhythm and many aspects of human locomotion. Music can transport the body through effective movement patterns, providing an apparent visual analogue of the sound. Second, the lyrics from specifically, carefully and personally-chosen music can reinforce essential aspects of a sporting technique.
So...whether you're a coach or the athlete, the next time you're looking for a way to give your training a boost, or a way to relax or get psyched prior to that important squash match, you just may want to select some appropriate music, put your noise-reduction headphones on and take advantage of: "Legal Performance Enhancement...MUSIC!"
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