HealthyNCT03506282
Does Listening to Music Alter the Running Mechanics?
A study testing Running while listening to a traffic audio track, Running with music at moderate volume and Running with music at moderate-to-high volume in people with Healthy, run by Università degli Studi di Sassari at 2 sites in Italy.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether in healthy subjects listening to music while running influences the ground pressure forces, the vertical loading and, overall, the running biomechanics. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy
- What is being tested?
- Running while listening to a traffic audio track, Running with music at moderate volume and Running with music at moderate-to-high volume
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesItaly
- Study dates
- 15 Jul 2018to 31 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy subjects
- Age 18-35 years
- Level of fitness: Moderate level (ACTIVE) according to the classification of the American College of Sports Medicine depicting "Moderate" as either of the following 3 criteria:
- 3 or more days of vigorous activity of at least 20 minutes per day OR
- 5 or more days of moderate-intensity activity and/or walking of at least 30 minutes per day OR
- 5 or more days of any combination of walking, moderate-intensity or vigorous intensity activities achieving a minimum of at least 600 metabolic equivalents (METs) per week.
- able to run on a treadmill safely and without bilateral or unilateral support.
Who cannot join
- Past or present diseases of the auditory and vestibular system (as assessed by otolaryngological and audiometric examinations).
- Traumatology/orthopedic conditions that contraindicate treadmill training.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Italy2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Recruiting
Department of Biomedical Sciences- University of Sassari
Sassari, Sassari (SS), 07100
Andrea Manca, PhD, +39 079228294, andmanca@uniss.it
Franca Deriu, MD; PhD
- Recruiting
University of Sassari
Sassari, Sassari, 07100
Andrea Manca, PhD, +39 079228154, andmanca@uniss.it
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Listening to Music During Running on Ground Contact Forces and Running Mechanics: the "IMPACT Factor" Trial
The purpose of this study is to determine whether in healthy subjects listening to music while running influences the ground pressure forces, the vertical loading and, overall, the running biomechanics.
Read the detailed description
The analysis of the effects that listening to music may exert during exercise has been the topic of a number of scientific articles. Overall, these studies documented how music influences performance and they generally observed positive effects. The majority of the investigations were carried out in the aerobic/endurance domain where music was found to enhance running performance and is also likely to accelerate heart rate recovery after strenuous exercise, albeit not all the authors agree on this point. It has been also reported that loud music not only enhances optimal exercising, but also interacts with music tempo to yield significant additional performance benefits.
Despite such interesting findings, the focus of these investigations was restricted to characterize the physiological responses that individuals exhibit when listening to music during physical activity, mainly running. Thus, the studies ended up with positive results, that is, increased performance, or failed in showing any effect.
Beside the above reported positive effects of music some potentially negative effects should be considered. First, regardless of whether running is included or not in the experimental condition, exposure to high levels of noise/sound even for short periods of time can be damaging for the auditory system, possibly resulting in hearing loss or impairment. This topic has been scrutinized by a number of studies, with a specific attention to adolescent populations who are exposed to high risk of hearing problems due to the massive usage of listening devices. Although this is a crucial issue, such source of hazard can be adequately controlled for by firmly sticking to the guidelines on the recommended exposure limits (REL), which is recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The REL has been set at 85 decibels (dB) for a maximum of 8 hours. Increasing the volume by rate of 3 dB increases the risk exponentially. For instance, a noise corresponding to an intensity of 88 dB should not exceed an exposure of 4 hours, then 91 dB 2 hours, 94 dB 1 hour, 97 dB 30 minutes, 100 dB 15 minutes, 103 dB 7.5 minutes, 106 dB 3.7 minutes and so on, up to 140 dB, which must not be provided at all.
Surprisingly, to date and to our knowledge, the influence that listening to music with portable devices and earphones may exert on the amount of vertical force upon impact loading during running has not been investigated yet.
Unlike the considerable number of previous works which were focused on the physiological and psychological responses to music during exercise, no references that attempted to address the biomechanical consequences of music listening on impact loading and jogging/running mechanics could be traced in the literature. Therefore, our main goal is to fill this gap in the existing literature.
Considering the universal widespread and popularity of running and that approximately 47 million Americans participated in running activities in the last decade, the findings generated by this research would be highly relevant to the broad field of sports medicine and exercise science.
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Being tested
- Running while listening to a traffic audio track, Running with music at moderate volume, Running with music at moderate-to-high volume
- Keywords
- Running biomechanics, Vertical loading rate, Music exercise, Gait analysis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Running while listening to a traffic audio trackOther
Also called Traffic audio track
While running three 2-minute sets at different velocities (6, 8 and 10 km/h, respectively) on a sensorized treadmill, each participant will be exposed via earphones to an audio track resembling average outdoor conditions (70 dB).
Running with music at moderate volumeOther
Also called Music at moderate volume
While running three 2-minute sets at different velocities (6, 8 and 10 km/h, respectively) on a sensorized treadmill, each participant will be provided the same music track ("We take care of our own", by Bruce Springsteen from the "Wrecking Ball" album, 2012). The music track will be given at a moderate volume (80 dB).
Running with music at moderate-to-high volumeOther
Also called Music at moderate-to-high volume
While running three 2-minute sets at different velocities (6, 8 and 10 km/h, respectively) on a sensorized treadmill, each participant will be provided the same music track ("We take care of our own", by Bruce Springsteen from the "Wrecking Ball" album, 2012). The music track will be given at a moderate-to-high volume (85 dB).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| No music | No intervention | The participants will be required to run on a treadmill at 3 different speeds (6-8-10 km/h) with no music. |
| Traffic audio track | Active comparator | In addition to running on the treadmill, participants will be listening to an audio track resembling normal outdoor noise (70 dB) through earphones connected to a mobile phone. Receives: Other: Running while listening to a traffic audio track |
| Music at moderate volume | Experimental | In addition to running on the treadmill, participants will be listening to music at a moderate volume (80 dB) through earphones connected to a mobile phone. Receives: Other: Running with music at moderate volume |
| Music at moderate-to-high volume | Experimental | In addition to running on the treadmill, participants will be listening to music at a moderate-to-high volume (85 dB) through earphones connected to a mobile phone. Receives: Other: Running with music at moderate-to-high volume |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Average ground pressure force
This outcome expresses the mean amount of impact recorded by the force plates embedded in the treadmill.
Measured: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Secondary outcomes (4)
Peak ground pressure force
This outcome expresses the highest amount of impact recorded by the force plates embedded in the treadmill.
Measured: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Average vertical loading rate
This outcome expresses the vertical oscillation of the center of mass and is considered highly linked to the risk of injury.
Measured: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Stride length
The stride length is the distance between two successive placements of the same foot.
Measured: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Stride time
It is the time elapsed between the first contact of two consecutive footsteps of the same foot and is expressed in milliseconds.
Measured: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Apr 2018
- Study start15 Jul 2018
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- The experimental conditions to be tested in each subject will be: 0, running with no music; 1, running and listening to audio track resembling normal outdoor noise (70 dB); 2, running with music at moderate volume (80 dB); 3, running with music at moderate to high volume (85 dB). The experimental conditions will be carried out in random order, with a wash-out period of 10 minutes, to ensure the return to the auditory and vestibular baseline. Depending on the random sequence generated, the subject will undergo the four conditions in the specified order. Each condition will be completed with the three steps lasting 2 mins each (A, running at 6 km/h; B, running at 8 km/h; C, running at 10 km/h) and carried out at 1-min time interval in between, before proceeding to the next one. A complete rest of 10 minutes will be allowed among the conditions to restore the physiological state of the auditory and vestibular systems and to recover from the submaximal running effort.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Università degli Studi di Sassari
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Professor Franca Deriu, Università degli Studi di Sassari
- Investigators
- Manca Andrea, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Sassari, Department of Biomedical SciencesFranca Deriu, PhD, Study director, University of Sassari, Department of Biomedical SciencesLucia Cugusi, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthPomidori Luca, PhD, Principal investigator, Esercizio Vita Medical FitnessFelisatti Michele, PhD, Principal investigator, Esercizio Vita Medical Fitness
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03506282
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- USassari
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Apr 2018
- Last updated
- 30 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Manca A, Cugusi L, Pomidori L, Felisatti M, Altavilla G, Zocca E, Zocca M, Bussu F, Dvir Z, Deriu F. Listening to music while running alters ground reaction forces: a study of acute exposure to varying speed and loudness levels in young women and men. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2020 Jun;120(6):1391-1401. doi: 10.1007/s00421-020-04371-z. Epub 2020 Apr 10.
PubMed 32277258Manca A, Cugusi L, Behm D, Dvir Z, Ferber R, Deriu F. More on "listening to music while running alters ground reaction forces": why women and men pound the ground differently? Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021 Jan;121(1):351-352. doi: 10.1007/s00421-020-04517-z. Epub 2020 Sep 30. No abstract available.
PubMed 32997258Morrone M, Natale D, Ventura L, Boi A, Martinez G, Behm DG, Dvir Z, Bandiera P, Cugusi L, Deriu F, Manca A. Moderate-to-loud in-ear music worsens ventilatory efficiency and running biomechanics during fixed-speed treadmill running: a sex-stratified randomized crossover study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2026 Oct 13. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2026-0174. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 42868611
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Listening to Music During Running on Ground Contact Forces and Running Mechanics: the "IMPACT Factor" Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03506282
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- USassari
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Keywords
- Running biomechanics, Vertical loading rate, Music exercise, Gait analysis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Università degli Studi di SassariUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jul 2018 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Apr 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether in healthy subjects listening to music while running influences the ground pressure forces, the vertical loading and, overall, the running biomechanics.
Detailed description
The analysis of the effects that listening to music may exert during exercise has been the topic of a number of scientific articles. Overall, these studies documented how music influences performance and they generally observed positive effects. The majority of the investigations were carried out in the aerobic/endurance domain where music was found to enhance running performance and is also likely to accelerate heart rate recovery after strenuous exercise, albeit not all the authors agree on this point. It has been also reported that loud music not only enhances optimal exercising, but also interacts with music tempo to yield significant additional performance benefits.
Despite such interesting findings, the focus of these investigations was restricted to characterize the physiological responses that individuals exhibit when listening to music during physical activity, mainly running. Thus, the studies ended up with positive results, that is, increased performance, or failed in showing any effect.
Beside the above reported positive effects of music some potentially negative effects should be considered. First, regardless of whether running is included or not in the experimental condition, exposure to high levels of noise/sound even for short periods of time can be damaging for the auditory system, possibly resulting in hearing loss or impairment. This topic has been scrutinized by a number of studies, with a specific attention to adolescent populations who are exposed to high risk of hearing problems due to the massive usage of listening devices. Although this is a crucial issue, such source of hazard can be adequately controlled for by firmly sticking to the guidelines on the recommended exposure limits (REL), which is recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The REL has been set at 85 decibels (dB) for a maximum of 8 hours. Increasing the volume by rate of 3 dB increases the risk exponentially. For instance, a noise corresponding to an intensity of 88 dB should not exceed an exposure of 4 hours, then 91 dB 2 hours, 94 dB 1 hour, 97 dB 30 minutes, 100 dB 15 minutes, 103 dB 7.5 minutes, 106 dB 3.7 minutes and so on, up to 140 dB, which must not be provided at all.
Surprisingly, to date and to our knowledge, the influence that listening to music with portable devices and earphones may exert on the amount of vertical force upon impact loading during running has not been investigated yet.
Unlike the considerable number of previous works which were focused on the physiological and psychological responses to music during exercise, no references that attempted to address the biomechanical consequences of music listening on impact loading and jogging/running mechanics could be traced in the literature. Therefore, our main goal is to fill this gap in the existing literature.
Considering the universal widespread and popularity of running and that approximately 47 million Americans participated in running activities in the last decade, the findings generated by this research would be highly relevant to the broad field of sports medicine and exercise science.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 4
- Model description
- The experimental conditions to be tested in each subject will be: 0, running with no music; 1, running and listening to audio track resembling normal outdoor noise (70 dB); 2, running with music at moderate volume (80 dB); 3, running with music at moderate to high volume (85 dB). The experimental conditions will be carried out in random order, with a wash-out period of 10 minutes, to ensure the return to the auditory and vestibular baseline. Depending on the random sequence generated, the subject will undergo the four conditions in the specified order. Each condition will be completed with the three steps lasting 2 mins each (A, running at 6 km/h; B, running at 8 km/h; C, running at 10 km/h) and carried out at 1-min time interval in between, before proceeding to the next one. A complete rest of 10 minutes will be allowed among the conditions to restore the physiological state of the auditory and vestibular systems and to recover from the submaximal running effort.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| No music | No intervention | –The participants will be required to run on a treadmill at 3 different speeds (6-8-10 km/h) with no music. |
| Traffic audio track | Active comparator | Other: Running while listening to a traffic audio trackIn addition to running on the treadmill, participants will be listening to an audio track resembling normal outdoor noise (70 dB) through earphones connected to a mobile phone. |
| Music at moderate volume | Experimental | Other: Running with music at moderate volumeIn addition to running on the treadmill, participants will be listening to music at a moderate volume (80 dB) through earphones connected to a mobile phone. |
| Music at moderate-to-high volume | Experimental | Other: Running with music at moderate-to-high volumeIn addition to running on the treadmill, participants will be listening to music at a moderate-to-high volume (85 dB) through earphones connected to a mobile phone. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Healthy subjects
- Age 18-35 years
- Level of fitness: Moderate level (ACTIVE) according to the classification of the American College of Sports Medicine depicting "Moderate" as either of the following 3 criteria:
- able to run on a treadmill safely and without bilateral or unilateral support.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Past or present diseases of the auditory and vestibular system (as assessed by otolaryngological and audiometric examinations).
- Traumatology/orthopedic conditions that contraindicate treadmill training.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Running while listening to a traffic audio trackAlso: Traffic audio trackWhile running three 2-minute sets at different velocities (6, 8 and 10 km/h, respectively) on a sensorized treadmill, each participant will be exposed via earphones to an audio track resembling average outdoor conditions (70 dB). | Other | Traffic audio track |
| Running with music at moderate volumeAlso: Music at moderate volumeWhile running three 2-minute sets at different velocities (6, 8 and 10 km/h, respectively) on a sensorized treadmill, each participant will be provided the same music track ("We take care of our own", by Bruce Springsteen from the "Wrecking Ball" album, 2012). The music track will be given at a moderate volume (80 dB). | Other | Music at moderate volume |
| Running with music at moderate-to-high volumeAlso: Music at moderate-to-high volumeWhile running three 2-minute sets at different velocities (6, 8 and 10 km/h, respectively) on a sensorized treadmill, each participant will be provided the same music track ("We take care of our own", by Bruce Springsteen from the "Wrecking Ball" album, 2012). The music track will be given at a moderate-to-high volume (85 dB). | Other | Music at moderate-to-high volume |
Primary outcome
Average ground pressure force
Time frame: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
This outcome expresses the mean amount of impact recorded by the force plates embedded in the treadmill.
4 secondary outcomes
Peak ground pressure force
Time frame: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Average vertical loading rate
Time frame: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Stride length
Time frame: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Stride time
Time frame: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Apr 2026.
- Background: PubMed 32277258Manca A, Cugusi L, Pomidori L, Felisatti M, Altavilla G, Zocca E, Zocca M, Bussu F, Dvir Z, Deriu F. Listening to music while running alters ground reaction forces: a study of acute exposure to varying speed and loudness levels in young women and men. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2020 Jun;120(6):1391-1401. doi: 10.1007/s00421-020-04371-z. Epub 2020 Apr 10.
- Background: PubMed 32997258Manca A, Cugusi L, Behm D, Dvir Z, Ferber R, Deriu F. More on "listening to music while running alters ground reaction forces": why women and men pound the ground differently? Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021 Jan;121(1):351-352. doi: 10.1007/s00421-020-04517-z. Epub 2020 Sep 30. No abstract available.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42868611Morrone M, Natale D, Ventura L, Boi A, Martinez G, Behm DG, Dvir Z, Bandiera P, Cugusi L, Deriu F, Manca A. Moderate-to-loud in-ear music worsens ventilatory efficiency and running biomechanics during fixed-speed treadmill running: a sex-stratified randomized crossover study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2026 Oct 13. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2026-0174. Online ahead of print.
- NLM PubmedLink provided by the sponsor.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Manca Andrea, PhD principal investigator
University of Sassari, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Franca Deriu, PhD study director
University of Sassari, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Lucia Cugusi, PhD principal investigator
University of Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Running while listening to a traffic audio track, Running with music at moderate volume and Running with music at moderate-to-high volume in people with Healthy, run by Università degli Studi di Sassari at 2 sites in Italy.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Manca Andrea, PhD (+39 079228154, andmanca@uniss.it), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Average ground pressure force (time frame: It will be assessed for each participant and for each arm of the study during the three 2-minute runs on the treadmill through study completion, an average of 1 year.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03506282, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Apr 2026.