Lyrical Music Improves 5 km Time Trial Performance Compared to Non-Lyrical Music

This study examined the effects of lyrical music compared to non-lyrical music on 5 km running performance. Thirteen subjects with an average age of 33.5 ± 8.3 years of age ran three separate 5 km time trials. The first trial acted as a familiarization trial where no music was present, followed by either a lyrical or non-lyrical music trial in a random counterbalanced order. Trial times, RPE, HR, and questionnaire information was analyzed using paired samples t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariate regression analyses. Lyrical music showed a significant improvement over non-lyrical music improving performance time compared to non-lyrical music, on average by 36 ± 41s (p=.000). While not statistically significant, a trend showing lyrical music was faster than no music, followed by the slowest trial of non-lyrical music. No change was detected in HR, or RPE at the 3.05 km mark suggesting that at the end although subjects were working harder (indicated by the faster completion times) they do not perceive themselves to be working harder. A correlation between increased mileage and the decreased effects of music as an ergogenic aid was seen (p=.044 r=.638) which supports previous research. This study suggests that lyrical music may improve 5 km running performance compared to no lyrical music

Downhill running impairs activation and strength of the elbow flexors

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if knee extensor injury induced by 1 h of downhill running attenuated force production in uninjured skeletal muscle (e.g., elbow flexors). METHODS: Recreationally active subjects (n = 12) completed a two group (injury vs control) repeated measures design with the injury group running downhill for 1 h and the control group performing only the measurement procedures. Strength and percent voluntary muscle activation were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer and electrical stimulation of the elbow flexors and knee extensors before and after a fatigue protocol at the following time points in relation to the downhill run: 15 min pre, 15 min post, 24 h post, and 48 h post. Blood samples were collected at the same time points to measure IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations. RESULTS: Knee extensor strength was significantly reduced by 53.5±9.9% immediately post-injury and remained reduced for up to 48 h in the injury group. Elbow flexor strength was significantly reduced immediately and 24 h post-injury by 13.2±3.9% and 17.3±4.0% respectively in the injury group. Elbow flexor electrically stimulated strength was not found to be different at any time point (P = 0.561). Elbow flexor activation was significantly reduced compared to control at 24 and 48 h post-injury by 22.9±9.1% and 13.5±5.7% respectively. No differences were observed in IL-1β or TNF-α between groups. CONCLUSION: A 1 h downhill run significantly injured the knee extensors. The elbow flexor muscles remained uninjured based on electrically stimulated strength, but voluntary strength of these muscles was impaired due to reduced activation. This suggests an injury to the knee extensors can impair strength in uninjured muscles by reducing voluntary activation. The mechanism behind this reduction remains undetermined. INDEX WORDS: Downhill running, Muscle injury, Central nervous system, Inflammatio