The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of removing auditory feedback cues on the biomechanical gait stability of novice runners. Our results did not show an effect of the addition of music on SW or SWV, with no significant differences found between the two conditions of running while listening to music and no music. The findings of this work indicates that in novice treadmill runners who are running at a steady pace in a non-fatigued state, there is no significant measurable difference on either lateral balance (as measured by SW and SWV) or impact forces (as measured by GRF).
SW and SWV were used as a measure of lateral stability in this analysis and the SW results for novices were consistent with that from other running studies (5cm)(30). SWV is a normal variation in running overground, with increased variation across uneven or changing surfaces. Trail runners undergo numerous changes in response to the uneven surfaces and rapidly changing gradients. In comparison, treadmill runners have less SWV during their running, and as such, the findings of this study may not extend to environments beyond treadmills.
No significant differences in cadence, GRF, GCT, and asymmetry were demonstrated. Cadence is a measure previously shown to be adjustable with listening to music, with many runners using BPM specific range music for this reason. Our findings did not show this adjustment with the music test using a song with a BPM of 123. This may be due to the relatively short period of time the in which the music condition was conducted (one song), thereby preventing participants getting into a zone where they responded unconsciously to the metronomic effect of the rhythm, or alternatively, that participants were consciously attempting to not match their steps to the music. It is also possible that individuals may varying in susceptibility to matching their running to rhythm. This may change with repeated running with music episodes and learning to apply a mindset that uses the music to distract from the effort of running. The lack of significant difference in GRF, GCT, and asymmetry, adds to the finding that no major changes in running biomechanics are seen in this non-fatigued novice group with and without music.
Although it would seem intuitive that an increase in GRF would presuppose to a higher risk of injury, in the case of tibial stress fractures the vertical loading rate appears to be more relevant (31). Future studies should include this parameter along with the tibial GRF sensor measurements. This study examined changes in GRF with the assumption that an increase in GRF plays a role in increasing risk of injury. For some injuries, such as tibial stress fractures, the vertical loading rate may also be an important factor (Z and N) and the addition of this measurement should be included in future studies.
The findings suggest that in non-fatigued novice runners, the risks associated with listening to music while running (i.e., reduced auditory cues impairing feedback) may not be present. Indeed, the benefits of running with music may outweigh the risks. For example, in term of cadence, it is possible that novices could identify an ideal cadence for them (lower risk of injury) and train safely with music playing at that tempo. This could theoretically benefit the individual by choosing an optimal cadence (entrained or deliberate) and lowering their risk of overuse injury, or at least choosing music to stop them from training at a cadence that was unsuitable for them (32, 33). However, for novices who are yet to develop effective running biomechanics including the ability to respond to stumbles, changes in terrain, or the effects of fatigue, it cannot be assumed that these individuals will access these same benefits. Our study was performed on individuals in a non-fatigued state and further research of novices running in fatigued states would be recommended to assess the combined effects of music and fatigue.
Different types of music devices, such as bone conduction and noise-cancelling headphones, offer various options for runners. These devices can be used at different volume levels, which in turn impact the auditory input generated from foot striking during running. To preserve the potential benefits of listening to music while running, including optimising cadence through music tempo, using non-noise cancelling devices at lower volumes may be an option. This allows for the retention of auditory input associated with foot strike, facilitating the development of running technique, while maintaining the advantages of listening to music.
Running induced fatigue affects almost all biomechanical parameters, and induced changes in running gait may result in risk factors for overuse injuries (31, 34–36). This study examined novice runners in a non-fatigued state, finding no major changes in these biomechanical parameters. This would suggest that for novice runners, starting a running program in a gradual staged manner, building up endurance and avoiding fatigue states associated with deterioration in biomechanics is safe. It also means that novice runners can gain the physical, cognitive, and emotional health benefits of running which is cheap and accessible form of exercise.
Most running gait studies have been performed on elite or recreational runners, rather than novice runners, and the lack on ingrained technique and higher tendency to fatigue in novices may make them more susceptible to changes that predispose to injury. The consciously fatigued state was not considered in this study in order to be able to focus on the width and GRF variables. Further studies to examine the combination of fatigue and music in novices would be needed to examine the potential injury risk for novice runners.
Strengths and limitations
Applying a rigorous methodology and having an adequate study sample are strengths of this work. This includes appropriate study design, standardised data collection procedures, and appropriate statistical analyses, which promotes the credibility and robustness of the findings. Consideration of potential confounding factors was inbuilt in the study procedures. In novice athletes running short distances, fatigue can be a factor. To mitigate this effect, participants self-selected a preferred running speed and fatigue levels were assessed after each test.
There are limitations associated with this study. Previous research has demonstrated that individuals may adjust their cadence and speed in response to the BPM of the music they are listening to. However, in the present study, this effect may not be observed due to the fixed speed of the treadmill. Similarly, any anticipated changes in ground contact time resulting from speed or cadence variability may be restricted due to the constant running speed of the treadmill. Differences between the mechanics of overground and treadmill running have been noted, this may limit the ability to extrapolate results to other settings such as trail running. Finally, the definitions of novice and expert runner are arbitrary, and it was outside the scope of the study to perform a full biomechanical gait analysis for each participant.