Music listening interventions for physical activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

Purpose

Music listening is widely used during exercise, but effects on physical activity are unknown. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of music listening on physical activity of adults.

Materials and methods

Searches were conducted until September 2022. Eligible randomised controlled trials examined intentional music listening to enhance physical activity in adults. Trials were assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The GRADE approach assessed certainty of evidence.

Results

One high and two low risk-of-bias trials (113 participants, 63–68 years) from cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs were included. Moderate certainty evidence favoured music listening for total amounts of physical activity (n = 112, δ = 0.32, 95% CI = −0.06–0.70) and weekly moderate intensity physical activity (n = 88, MD = 52 min, 95% CI = −8–113). Low certainty evidence favoured music listening for exercise capacity (6-min walk test) (n = 79, MD = 101 metres, 95% CI = 2.32–199.88).

Conclusions

There is imprecise, moderate certainty evidence that music listening increases physical activity by a small amount in older adults. Future research including adults of all ages with and without health conditions might investigate music listening with focussed behaviour change interventions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• There is uncertainty in the current evidence but listening to music may lead to small increases physical activity in older adults with health conditions.

• Listening to music while walking may lead to improved exercise capacity.

• Rehabilitation professionals might consider using music listening as an adjunct with focussed behaviour change interventions aiming to increase physical activity.

Keywords:

• Music
• rehabilitation
• physical activity
• exercise
• adults

Authors’ contributions

All listed authors made substantial contributions to this review, including conceptualisation and acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data. Each author contributed to manuscript drafts and critical revisions to ensure the inclusion of important intellectual content. All authors have approved the submitted version of this article for publication and take public responsibility for the content.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).