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Pain Management and Music

Can music enhance exercise routines and lessen pain? The answer is yes. 

What data has been collected? 

  • A study was conducted at Ohio State University with 10 male runners

  • The study consisted of running for 30 minutes on a treadmill with close observation of heart rates, perceived exertion, lactic acid, and endorphin levels

What were the results? 

  • Runners listening to music perceived the exercise​ as less intensive

  • These runners needed less pain medication post-exercise

  • Overall psychological stress to the exercise activity was less

Conclusion:

  • Music may help the body tune out stressful sensory inputs such as increased heart rate and respiration

  •  Physical activity that is perceived to be less stressful can have positive effects on the biochemical levels in the body

  • Physical activity with music may allow one to exercise at a specific intensity but with less effort than without music

 

 

Citation:

Vogel, M. (1985, December 25). Putting Rhythm in Your Exercise: Music Can Enhance

Routines, Lessen the Pain and Reduce the Tedium. The Washington Post. Retrieved November 29, 2016, from UNLV library.

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