Groove and Grip: The Effects of Music Tempo on Manual Dexterity Among Senior High Students

Manual dexterity is the ability to perform coordinated, precise hand movements that is essential in both academic and professional contexts. This study examined the effects of different music tempos on manual dexterity among Senior High students. Using a quantitative quasi-experimental within-subjects design, 50 participants completed the Nine-Hole Pegboard Test under four conditions: silence, slow tempo (60 BPM), medium tempo (124 BPM), and fast tempo (175 BPM). Results from repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect of music tempo on manual dexterity, F(3, 147) = 4.21, p = .007, partial η² = .079. Post hoc tests indicated that both medium and fast tempos produced significantly faster placement times than silence. Effect sizes across comparisons suggested small to medium practical significance. Future research should explore various music genres, non-dominant hand performance, and long-term impact.