What if a simple song could effortlessly boost your cadence during a running session? In Japan, researchers at Ryutsu Keizai University looked into this question by testing the effect of groove – this rhythmic quality that makes you want to move – on a ten-minute run. And against all odds, their most surprising observation concerns women.
An experience guided by music
For this study, researchers brought together 38 students aged 18 to 21 for two ten-minute running sessions, each guided by a different playlist: one consisting of high-groove (HG) tracks, the other of low-groove (LG) tracks. Participants ran at a “free” pace, and music was played at a constant volume. They then assessed their sense of groove with the “Experience of Groove Questionnaire” (Japanese version) and their mood via the “Two-Dimensional Mood Scale”. The objective was to observe the body’s reaction to the rhythm that occurs naturally.
Marked effects on speed and mood in women
First observation noted by the researchers? Both men and women wanted to move more with the “high groove” playlist. But the difference was evident elsewhere: among women, the running speed and their good mood increased slightly with the “grooving” pieces, while the men did not show any notable variation (neither in mood nor in their pace).
“This study therefore showed that HG music increased self-selected running speed and positive mood responses compared to LG music, and that these effects were more pronounced among female students who attributed strong groove ratings to HG music. Coaches and instructors can capitalize on these benefits by integrating HG music into exercise programs to enhance motivation and performance“, analyze the researchers.
The team points out, however, that the study was based on a micro sample of healthy young adults, which limits extrapolations.
What exactly is groove?
Groove refers to this rhythmic sensation that makes you want to move, resulting from a perfect balance between regularity and subtle variations in tempo, often driven by bass and drums.
Some research suggests that this musical “flow” reaches its maximum when syncopation (deviation from strict rhythm) is moderate: too simple is boring; too complex, it becomes confusing.
Create a running playlist that really grooves
Certain musical genres lend themselves particularly well to the effort: electro to energize, pop for moderate outings, rap for the mental, rock for raw energy, even classical to refocus.
Among the songs often used for running, we find Summer by Calvin Harris, I’m Good by David Guetta, Illusion by Dua Lipa, Break My Soul by Beyoncé, Good as Hell by Lizzo or even the classic Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. In France, titles like Dance Monkey by Tones and I (98 bpm), Blinding Lights by The Weeknd (171 bpm), Le Coach by Soprano (128 bpm) or Angela by Hatik (192 bpm) are very present in running playlists.
But in reality, even if certain music can motivate you during your sessions, the important thing is to enjoy the present moment. To the wise!