How Do “Walk-Up” Songs Work Links Between Music and Athletic Performance

Abstract

Baseball players have “walk-up” songs, Olympians make “pump-up” playlists, and Super Bowl player listen to “hype music” playlists before going on to score game-winning touchdowns. However, this habit may not be a mere placebo; music has been shown to have a neurological effect that allows athletes to improve their performance. Music works with the brain to create a heightened level of arousal, which is reflected through improvements in athletic performance. These improvements are also influenced by specific aspects of music, including tempo and personal connection. Therefore, music is used by athletes every day to truly push themselves to have influential effects on their performance.