During physical activity, perceptions of discomfort and exertion occur through the
peripheral cues of muscle discomfort and fatigue and through central cues of changes in
heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen consumption mediated by the autonomic nervous
system. By distracting an individual’s perception of exertion, music allows them to
minimize the peripheral and central cues of discomfort (Szmedra & Bacharach 1998,
Yamashita et al. 2006). Also, exercising to music can improve participation by capturing an
individual’s interest and connecting the physical activity with positive experiences.