Table 1 provides descriptive statistics of subject characteristics. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 8.0 for Windows. Twenty-nine of the thirty subjects reported an increase in exercise time under the music condition. The mean difference between the two scores was 5.15 minutes, with a standard deviation of 7.35 minutes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of preferred music listening on exercise endurance of a group of well college music therapy and music education students.
Results indicate that subjects significantly increased their exercise time while using music.
These data are consistent with the results of previous studies examining the effects of music on exercise endurance. Variation is likely the result of each subject using different types of aerobic exercise and the variability of their type and level of physical fitness. Unsolicited feedback from subjects revealed that music had several effects leading to increased endurance. The results of this study warrant further investigation. Although the use of preferred music is frequently recommended, a review of related literature revealed no instances of subjects each using their own music during the exercise condition.