We examined the effect of listening to two different types of music (slow- and fastrhythm) prior to supramaximal cycle exercise on performance, heart rate, the concentration of lactate and ammonia in blood, and the concentration of catecholamines and cotisol in plasma. Six male swimmers, aged 24.0±4.0 (Mean±SD) years voluntarily participated in this study. After listening to slow-rhythm or fast-rhythm music for 20-minutes, the participants performed supramaximal exercise for 45 seconds using a cycle ergometer. The mean power output was measured during the exercise, while the blood lactate and ammonia concentrations and the plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol concentrations were measured before, immediately before the end of, and immediately after listening to the music, and 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 min after the exercise. The mean power output was 527.3±33.4 watts when the music type was slow rhythm and 527.5±33.6 watts when it was fastrhythm. The type of music thus had virtually no impact on power output during the exercise. The plasma noradrenaline concentration immediately before the end of listening to slowrhythm music was significantly lower than before listening to the music (p<0.05). The plasma adrenaline concentration immediately before the end listening to fast-rhythm music was significantly higher than before listening to the music (p<0.05). The type of music had no effect on the blood lactate and ammonia concentrations, or on the plasma catecholamines and cortisol concentrations following the exercise. In conclusion, listening to slow-rhythm music prior to supramaximal exercise decreased the plasma noradrenaline level, and listening to fast-rhythm music prior to supramaximal exercise increased the plasma adrenaline level. The type of music did not affect performance.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.24/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE