Acta Univ. Palacki. Olomuc., Gymn. 2009 39(1): 67-73

The effect of listening to techno music on reaction times to visual stimuli

Maja Meško1, Vojko Strojnik2, Mateja Videmšek2, Damir Karpljuk2
1 Independent researcher, Celje
2 Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana

The aim of the research was to establish the influence of techno music on the reaction times of participants in the research. Our hypothesis was that stimulating music, such as techno, would shorten the participants' reaction time to visual stimuli while, without music, the reaction time would be longer. To define the reaction time to expected light stimuli we used a special apparatus for measuring the angle of elbow extension, an electric goniometer and a red colour LED diode attached to it. We also used a computer programme as well. The athletes, 10 students at the Faculty of Sports, aged between 20 and 45, participated in the research, representing the control group as well as the experimental group. In our research we established that listening to techno music does affect the shortening of participants' reaction time. Their reaction time shortens significantly according to a measurement taken after 30 minute of listening to techno music, nevertheless it is not shortened during the listening. The control group established that 35 minutes of waiting between the measurements does not significantly affect the reaction time. Moreover, it was established that 30 minutes of listening to techno music affected the shortening of the reaction time 45 seconds after the music was turned off. For further research, it would be necessary to engage more participants. However, the research results are useful data and may serve as a starting point for further research.

Keywords: Simple reaction time, techno music, expected light (visual) stimulus, apparatus for measuring the angle of elbow extension, goniometer

Prepublished online: October 22, 2009; Published: January 1, 2009  Show citation

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Meško, M., Strojnik, V., Videmšek, M., & Karpljuk, D. (2009). The effect of listening to techno music on reaction times to visual stimuli. Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis. Gymnica, 39(1), 67-73
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