The effect of music on running pace : [a thesis] ...

This study investigated the application of music as a factor in influencing running pace of runners. Thirty (30) runners of varying ages, paces, and distances run per week were individually tested on two runs: one, with music, using a portable cassette player; the other, without music. Results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in actual, as well as perceived, running pace between the experimental conditions. Of the 30 runners: 19 actually increased their pace, 20 runners perceived an increase in running pace, 3 maintained there was no change and 7 felt the music decreased their running pace. In addition, most runners reported that they enjoyed running to music, and felt that it assisted them in diverting attention from the actual run, thereby enhancing the total running experience