Abstract

UCHA, Francisco Enrique García  and  MALDONADO, Leopoldo Ferrer. Usefulness of Music in the Psychological Preparation of Athletes. Rev. Costarric. Psic [online]. 2015, vol.34, n.2, pp.79-95. ISSN 1659-2913.

This article is a theoretical review. It is intended to present the ways of using music as an intervention in psychological preparation for sports competitions. Music is described as holding an explicit and direct influence on affective, cognitive and behavioral processes in athletes. It allows regulation of motivation and emotion, reduces perceived exertion, increases the amount of exercise performed, focuses the attention and improves recovery after exercise. The paper points out the advantages, possible disadvantages and limitations to the use of music in sports. It was found that music is an important element for regulation of emotional states before competitions. The results show the complexity of the methods for selecting music, as well as the instruments for assessing their impact. Additionally, they suggest that a theoretical model is required to resolve the contradictions in music use trends in sports. Finally, it also demonstrates that some topics have hitherto been poorly investigated. These subjects are the use of music in combination with other psychological interventions, the effect of song lyrics and the consequences of music on athletic performance when combined with additional tasks related to music therapy.

Keywords : music; sports; mental preparation; athletic performance; emotion.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )