Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different kinds of music on submaximal performance and exercise tolerance in healthy children by means of the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and to explore the influence of gender.
Design: Cross-over study.
Method: Ninety-seven children performed 6MWT in four conditions (without music, with their preferred music, with slow and with fast music). Distance, cardio-respiratory parameters, perceived exertion rate, and amount of dyspnea were measured.
Findings: Walked distance depended on the kind of music (p = .022). To listen to fast music promoted a longer distance when compared with slow music. Walked distance was not influenced by gender (p = .721) and there was no interaction between music and gender for walked distances (p = .069). The other parameters were not modified by music and gender.
Conclusion: Music influences submaximal performances without modifying exercise tolerance in healthy children.
Clinical Relevance: Music does modify submaximal performance in children.