The Influence of Music on Exercise Performance and Perceived Exertion: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction and Purpose
 Music is widely used during exercise and may influence both physical performance and the subjective experience of effort. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the effects of music on exercise performance and perceived exertion, with particular attention to exercise modality, intensity, music preference, tempo, and timing of exposure.

Materials and Methods
 A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted, focusing mainly on studies published between January 2015 and September 2026. Experimental studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses involving healthy adults, recreationally active individuals, and athletes were considered.

Results
 Music is generally associated with small improvements in exercise performance and modest reductions in perceived exertion. Benefits are reported most consistently in endurance, muscular endurance, and selected repetition-based tasks, whereas effects on brief maximal and anaerobic performance are less reliable. Preferred or self-selected music appears particularly relevant to motivation and affective responses. Tempo, timing, synchronization, and exercise intensity may modify the response. Lower perceived exertion does not necessarily indicate reduced physiological load, and effects on variables such as heart rate are less consistent.

Conclusions
 Music may be useful as a context-dependent training aid rather than a universal ergogenic strategy. Its practical value appears greatest when the music is well matched to the individual, the exercise task, and the purpose of the session.