Current Research

Neuromuscle Research Group is committed to conducting practical, evidence-based research in exercise physiology, human performance, biomechanics, and the influence of music on athletic performance. The following projects are currently under development or active investigation. 

The Influence of Self-Selected Music on Bench Press Performance and Bar Path Characteristics During Volitional Fatigue: A Single-Subject Pilot Investigation

Principal Investigator

Russell Fox, M.S.

Founder and Research Director

Neuromuscle Research Group

Background

Music has long been used by athletes to enhance motivation, focus, and performance before and during training and competition. Previous research has suggested that music may positively influence exercise performance through psychological mechanisms including increased arousal, improved mood, and reduced perception of effort. However, the influence of self-selected music on movement characteristics during resistance exercise remains largely unexplored.

As fatigue develops during resistance training, movement patterns often become less efficient and more variable. Understanding whether self-selected music can influence both performance outcomes and movement quality may provide valuable insight into the interaction between psychological and biomechanical factors during strength exercise.

Purpose

The purpose of this pilot investigation is to examine the effects of self-selected music on bench press performance and bar path characteristics during a set performed to volitional fatigue.

Research Question

Does self-selected music influence bench press performance and bar path characteristics during a set performed to volitional fatigue?

Hypotheses

1. Self-selected music will increase the number of repetitions completed during the bench press.

2. Self-selected music will increase pre-exercise motivation.

3. Self-selected music will reduce perceived exertion following exercise.

4. Self-selected music will result in more consistent bar path characteristics as fatigue develops.

Study Design

This investigation will utilize a single-subject repeated-measures design.

The participant will complete multiple testing sessions under two experimental conditions:

Condition A

House Gym Music

Condition B

Self-Selected Music

Testing sessions will alternate between conditions over the course of the study.

Participant

One resistance-trained male participant will serve as the study subject.

Participant characteristics include:

• Former competitive powerlifter

• Extensive resistance training experience

• Founder and investigator of the project

Procedures

A standardized bench press load equivalent to approximately 75% of estimated one-repetition maximum (1RM) will be utilized for all testing sessions.

Prior to each session, the participant will record:

• Body weight

• Hours of sleep

• Motivation rating (1–10 scale)

The participant will then perform a bench press set to volitional fatigue while exposed to the assigned music condition.

All sessions will be video recorded for subsequent movement analysis.

Outcome Measures

Performance Variables

• Repetitions completed

• Total training volume

Psychological Variables

• Pre-exercise motivation

• Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Biomechanical Variables

Video recordings will be analyzed to evaluate:

• Bar path consistency

• Horizontal bar displacement

• Vertical bar displacement

• Repetition tempo

• Movement variability as fatigue develops

Data Analysis

Descriptive statistics and graphical analysis will be utilized to compare performance, psychological, and biomechanical variables between music conditions.

As a pilot investigation, the primary objective is to identify potential trends and establish the feasibility of future research.

Significance

This project represents the inaugural research initiative of Neuromuscle Research Group.

The findings may contribute to a greater understanding of how self-selected music influences strength performance, fatigue resistance, and movement quality during resistance exercise.

Furthermore, the project will serve as a foundation for future investigations involving larger participant samples, advanced motion analysis techniques, and additional measures of human performance.

Future Directions

Future research may explore:

• Competitive powerlifters versus recreational lifters

• Music and flow state development

• Music and movement efficiency

• Motion analysis of resistance exercise

• Neuromuscular and cognitive responses to music

Project Status

Recruitment and protocol development completed.

Data collection anticipated to begin in 2026.

Neuromuscle Research Group
Grand Rapids, Michigan