The influence of musical preference on the affective state, heart rate, and perceived exertion ratings of participants in aerobic dance/exercise classes

The problem of this study was to determine the influence of musical preference and familiarity on the affective state, heart rate, and perceived exertion ratings of participants in aerobic dancejexercise classes. Twenty females participated in a musical listening session and designated musical selections as preferred/nonpreferred and familiar/nonfamiliar. Subjects exercised in two separate aerobic dance/exercise classes with preferred/familiar and nonpreferred/nonfamiliar music. Heart rates, perceived exertion ratings, and MAACL-R responses were collected during two aerobic dance/exercise classes. No significant differences were found for either experimental condition for affective state (Anxiety, Depression, Hostility, Positive Affect or Sensation Seeking) as measured by the MAACL-R, heart rates, or perceived exertion. It was concluded that music did not significantly affect mood states of participants in aerobic dance/exercise classes. Subjects reported that instructor enthusiasm and support were more important for enjoyment in aerobic dance/exercise classes than musical preference.