The impact of music on handgrip strength and performance accuracy in high and low cognition tasks

Abstract

In this study the effect of listening to music during performance requiring physical strength was investigated through the handgrip strength test, and performance requiring high cognitive energy was tested through spatial accuracy, i.e., focusing on the target while listening to music. Sixteen students participated in this study, taking part in two tests: the first was a handgrip strength test, and the second was a spatial accuracy test. All participants were athletes. The results showed the effect of music on grip strength as well as on the accuracy test. However, the effect of music on accuracy, which required a high level of cognitive energy, was more significant than on grip strength, which required a lower level of cognitive ability. This is an important indicator of the role of music on high cognitive demands. In sum the musical rhythm enhances performance, whether it requires high physical strength or high mental energy. However, the effect of music on performance that requires high mental energy was greater than on performance that requires great physical strength.