The Effect of Music on Heart Rate

Studies have suggested that music can affect heart rate. That is, it can increase or decrease heart rate by its tempo and rhythm. The direct cause of this is unknown, but types of music can be used to stimulate the desired response. To test which types of music could be used for heartrate suppression or stimulation, three TFC students performed a test in which a select number of students at Toccoa Falls College were tested for heart rate in response to a certain genre of music. The results varied greatly, but the general consensus suggested that fast tempo music, such as rap increases heart rate, and slow tempo music, such as classical music suppresses heart rate.

The test consisted of a student in an isolated room, listening to an assigned genre of music for ten minutes. The heart rate of each student was taken both before and after the trial to show its change. The heart rate was taken with a digital reader, and then the students were left to listen to their assigned genre. The genres used were classical, rap, alternative, country, and a control of white noise. Each trial lasted ten minutes, before the final heart rate was taken.

The results of the experiment varied greatly, however there was a general consensus on two of the genres that were tested. Rap music had a tendency to increase heart rate, while classical music decreased heart rate. This makes sense due to the tempo and rhythm of both genres. Alternative and country music varied widely based on the individuals, and did not show any significant average increase or decrease.

There are a few factors that could contribute to the large variance in results. The individuals tested were only tested once, and were not asked about food and drink consumption, or sleeping habits. Without multiple trials of the same individual, the data collected may be inaccurate. Multiple individuals is beneficial, but each new individual has a different set of emotions towards certain music, which could affect the data. Even with the inconsistencies in the testing, the data still showed a clear increase and decrease in response to certain music.

This can be used in application, especially when heartrate needs to be manipulated. During cardio workouts, the goal is to increase heart rate. This can be accomplished by rigorous physical activity, but can also be aided by the presence of rap music, since that type of music has been shown to increase heart rate. In contrast, classical music can be utilized to suppress heart rate. This can be useful when trying to relax, whether that be to fall asleep or calm nerves. Since classical music decreases heart rate it may be beneficial to listen to it before doing something stressful, such as giving a presentation or having a surgery done.

Music has been used for a variety of used in the course of human history, from recreation to professional pursuits. The benefits of music on physiology can be utilized in a variety of ways. By testing the correlation of music genre and change in heart rate, certain types of music can be used for purposes in which the heartrate is involved. Rap music can be used to increase heart rate in fitness, while classical music can be used to decrease heartrate in stressful situations. Science is always searching for advances that will benefit people, and evidence shows that music can be used to manipulate heart rate. Music is a crucial part of human cultures, and this study furthers the many uses for music and its application.