Review finds no consistent benefit of music for focus or mood during short exercise
Mar 1st 2026
A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 studies reports inconsistent effects of music on cognitive control and emotional responses during short exercise sessions, with benefits depending on exercise intensity, participant age, and study design.
- A meta-analysis of 10 studies found no reliable effect of music on executive functions during short bouts of exercise.
- Music did not consistently improve positive affect or reduce negative affect while exercising.
- Effects varied by context, showing smaller or negligible benefits at higher exercise intensity and in older participant samples.
- Authors say more rigorous and consistent study designs are needed to clarify when music might help during exercise.