Effect of Short-time Exercise with Music on Performance and Post-exercise Cardiac Recovery: A Comparison between Type 2 Diabetics and Young Adults

Introduction: High-tempo music is commonly used during exercise to enhance physical activity. Post-exercise parasympathetic reactivation, responsible for cardiac recovery, is crucial for predicting cardiac arrhythmia and overall heart health. Previous studies have demonstrated positive effects of music on exercise performance in healthy individuals. However, little is known about its impact on diabetic (Type II) females and young adults. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of listening to high-tempo music during exercise on workout performance and parasympathetic reactivation in these populations. Material Methods: We evaluated a total of 70 females, including healthy individuals (n=36) and diabetic (Type II) females (n=34). Prior to the experiment, lipid profile and cardiac risk ratio were measured in blood samples taken one week before the active sessions. Each participant underwent two separate active sessions: one session involved running without music, and the other involved running while listening to music for a duration of 6 minutes. Heart rate was measured before running and at zero, five, and ten minutes after exercise. Running distance was also recorded. Results: In healthy adults, running distance significantly increased when listening to music during exercise compared to the non-music session (P 0.0001). Additionally, heart rate was significantly higher at time zero during running with music compared to the non-music session (P 0.0001). However, heart rate recovery was superior 10 minutes after exercise in the music group compared to the non-music group in diabetic females (P 0.0001). Conclusion:  Listening to high-tempo music during exercise may increase sympathetic activity and enhance exercise performance, particularly in healthy young adults. Interestingly, listening to music during exercise may accelerate parasympathetic reactivation to a greater extent in diabetic females, potentially reducing the risk of arrhythmias during the resting period without enhancing exercise performance