Music and sports performance: A mini review of scientific perspectives

The utilisation of music within the realm of sport has witnessed a marked surge in popularity, with athletes increasingly incorporating it into their training regimens and competitive preparations. This mini review aims to provide a comprehensive and holistic, science-based overview of music's application in sport, spanning from its foundational theoretical underpinnings to its practical implementations. It synthesises key areas, including the underlying mechanisms of action through which music influences athletic performance, alongside an examination of scientific studies categorised by the timing of music intervention: pre-task, in-task, and post-task. Practical guidelines for optimising music selection and implementation are also discussed. Ultimately, this review highlights the considerable potential of music as a tool for regulating emotional states, enhancing physical performance outcomes, and optimising the overall training and competitive experience for athletes across a diverse range of sporting disciplines.