The Influence of Relaxing and Self-Selected Stimulating Music on Vertical Jump Performance in Male Volleyball Players

• Published in: International journal of exercise science 2022, Vol.15 (6), p.15-24
• Main Authors: Gavanda, S, Hosang, T J, Grasser, J, Wagener, S, Sönmez, N, Kayser, I, Knicker, A J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Music
• ISSN: 1939-795X; 1939-795X
• DOI: 10.70252/PFNC1124

Most research concerning the effects of music on physical performance was conducted using endurance parameters. This study investigated the effects of relaxing (RLX) vs. self-selected stimulating music (SM) vs. no music (NM) on jump height (JH), jump power (PWR), and average rest period between jumps (RP) in 13 athletes (age: 25.5 ± 2.6 years). After a warm-up and listening to music (1 min) or NM, participants completed five squat jumps on a force plate. Psychological ratings of mood were assessed using a questionnaire before warm-up and after jumping. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to compare effects of music on JH, PWR, and RP. A Friedman test with Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to detect changes in mood. There were no significant effects of music on JH ( = 0.162) and PWR ( = 0.162). A trend towards longer RP in RLX when compared to SM was detected (+2.72 s, +22%, = 0.059, = 0.35). Participants felt more "relaxed" (+3 ranks) and more "powerful" after listening to SM (+2 ranks). Following NM and RLX, athletes felt more "energetic" (each +3 ranks) but less energetic (-3 ranks) after SM. In conclusion, this study did not find any performance-enhancing effects of self-selected SM on jump performance. The influences of music on psychological ratings were inconclusive. For this reason, no evidence-based guidelines for the practical application of music in elite jumping athletes can be made, and more studies are warranted.