Affiliations: Cardiff School of Sport, University of Wales
Institute, Cardiff, UK | School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of
Exeter, Exeter, UK | Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of
Music, London, UK
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. David Wasley, Cardiff School of
Sport, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK. Tel.: +44 02920 417192; Fax:
+44 02920 416768; E-mail: dwasley@uwic.ac.uk
Abstract: Objective: The current study examines the relationships between
physical activity and fitness and reactivity to a musical performance stressor
(MPS). Numerous studies suggest that being fitter and more physically active
has a beneficial effect on individuals' cardiovascular responses to
laboratory-based mental challenges. The results are equivocal regarding the
transfer of such benefits to real world contexts such as musical performance. Participants: Forty six advanced music students completed this
assessment. Method: All participants completed a 20-min pre-performance
assessment of heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV) and blood pressure.
Participants also completed baseline measures and a sub-maximal fitness
assessment on a separate day. Results: A positive association between
fitness and HR pre-MPS was found. Fitness was also positively associated with
root mean square SD RR_{interval} before the MPS. Higher fitness was
related to lower state anxiety post-MPS. Conclusions: Implications of the
findings are discussed in relation to classical musicians' day-to-day work and performance.
