A grounded theory of music-video use during exercise

Authors

Bird, J. M., & Karageorghis, C. I.

Institutions

Brunel University London, UK; Brunel University London, UK

Keywords

Audiovisual aids, musicology, physical activity, public health, qualitative research

Background

Despite researchers’ considerable interest in the effects of music during exercise (see e.g., Clark, Baker, & Taylor, 2016), there is a conspicuous lack of research addressing the effects of music-videos. This is surprising given that audiovisual stimuli have become almost ubiquitous forms of distraction in modern health and fitness facilities (Annesi, 2001; Karageorghis & Terry, 2009). There is currently a paucity of conceptual frameworks that inform the selection of appropriate music-videos in exercise contexts.

Aims

To examine the uses and effects of music-videos in an exercise context, and to propose a theory grounded in data that will inform practitioners’ application of music-videos.

Method

A grounded theory approach guided data collection and analysis (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). Participants (N = 12) completed daily diary sheets on each visit to an exercise facility over a 4-week period. Subsequently, participants were interviewed regarding their experiences of exercising with music-video. Diary sheets and interview transcripts were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding.

Results

The results provide support for a multi-directional relationship between the music-video stimuli, the personal characteristics of the exerciser, and the listening/viewing context. Moreover, the music-videos elicited a range of responses pertaining to the exerciser’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Conclusions

The resultant substantive theory delineates the factors that require consideration in the selection of music-videos. Moreover, it presents the potential benefits that such videos might elicit in the exercise context. Given the increasing use of music-video, the framework bears relevance to exercisers, health/performance practitioners, and researchers.

References

Annesi, J. J. (2001). Effects of music, television, and a combination entertainment system on distraction, exercise adherence, and physical output in adults. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 33, 193–201.

Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. L. (2008). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (3rd ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Clark, I. N., Baker, F. A., & Taylor, N. F. (2016). The modulating effects of music listening on health-related exercise and physical activity in adults: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 25, 76–104.

Karageorghis, C. I., & Terry, P. C. (2009). The psychological, psychophysical and ergogenic effects of music in sport: A review and synthesis. In A. J. Bateman & J. R. Bale (Eds.), Sporting sounds: Relationships between sport and music (pp. 13–36). London, UK: Routledge.