Effects of music on running mechanics

The Effects of Listening to Music During Running on Ground Contact Forces and Running Mechanics: the "IMPACT Factor" Trial

Not applicable Interventional Università degli Studi di Sassari · NCT03506282

This study tests how listening to music while running affects the way healthy young adults run and if it can improve their performance.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversità degli Studi di Sassari Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Sassari, Sassari (SS) and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03506282 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how listening to music while running affects the biomechanics of healthy individuals. It focuses on analyzing ground pressure forces and vertical loading rates during running under different audio conditions, including traffic sounds and varying music volumes. The research aims to build on previous findings that suggest music can enhance performance and recovery during exercise, while also considering potential negative impacts on hearing. Participants will be healthy adults aged 18-35 with a moderate level of fitness who can safely run on a treadmill.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18-35 with a moderate level of fitness who can run on a treadmill.

Not a fit: Patients with past or present auditory or vestibular diseases or orthopedic conditions that prevent safe treadmill running may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimizing running performance and safety through music.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of music on exercise performance, but this specific focus on running biomechanics is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy subjects
* Age 18-35 years
* Level of fitness: Moderate level (ACTIVE) according to the classification of the American College of Sports Medicine depicting "Moderate" as either of the following 3 criteria:

  * 3 or more days of vigorous activity of at least 20 minutes per day OR
  * 5 or more days of moderate-intensity activity and/or walking of at least 30 minutes per day OR
  * 5 or more days of any combination of walking, moderate-intensity or vigorous intensity activities achieving a minimum of at least 600 metabolic equivalents (METs) per week.
* able to run on a treadmill safely and without bilateral or unilateral support.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Past or present diseases of the auditory and vestibular system (as assessed by otolaryngological and audiometric examinations).
* Traumatology/orthopedic conditions that contraindicate treadmill training.

Where this trial is running

Sassari, Sassari (SS) and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HealthyRunning biomechanicsVertical loading rateMusic exerciseGait analysis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.