The Influence of Music and Social Interaction on Physiological Responses and Perceived Enjoyment During HIIT and BFR Performance

While exercise is essential for health, motivational barriers often limit regular participation in exercise. This study investigated strategies to enhance exercise engagement by examining the impact of music and social interaction. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of music and social interaction on hemodynamic, perceptual, and neuroendocrine responses during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and blood flow restriction (BFR) training. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active adults (age=22.5 ± 2.3 years) completed a randomized within-participant study involving five sessions: a familiarization, individual HIIT (HIIT-I), group HIIT (HIIT-G), individual BFR (BFR-I), and group BFR (BFR-G). Sessions consisted of whole-body exercises. Researchers recorded heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), mood state (MS), oxytocin (OT), and perceived exertion (RPE) at pre, during, and post-exercise intervals, followed by reports of delayed-onset muscle soreness. RESULTS: In tension, significant time main effects were observed from pre- to post-exercise (pCONCLUSION: The findings suggest that both social environment and music significantly influence exercise outcomes. Music increases cardiovascular engagement during HIIT while moderating RPE; group settings mitigate discomfort and enhance recovery via social support. Integrating music and group formats into HIIT and BFR programs may improve mood and enjoyment without increasing perceived strain. The increased oxytocin observed following BFR-I may be partly attributable to increased attentional focus on exercise-related sensations and the perceptual demands imposed by BFR cuff pressure resulting from reduced distraction. The various exercise training approaches explored in this study demonstrate benefits that practitioners and trainers may integrate into their treatment or training plans to enhance physical and psychological outcomes.