Welcome to my weekly summary of the latest research from the world of sports science!
Athletic performance isn’t just physical—it’s also psychological and hormonal. This week’s research looks at how music can boost sprint output, how the menstrual cycle impacts recovery in female athletes, and how a well-timed swear word might give you an extra push. For unexpected tools that help you push harder—read on!
Music Improves Sprint Performance and Reduces Fatigue
This study looked at whether music can improve performance and reduce fatigue in competitive team-sport athletes. Across the board, music had a positive impact: athletes who listened to music—usually via headphones before or during training—performed better on sprint tests, showed greater power output, and reported lower perceived exertion and fatigue.
These effects likely come from both physiological and psychological boosts: music improved heart rate response, mood, motivation, and muscle oxygenation. While protocols varied and the athletes weren’t elite-level, most studies found that fast-tempo music and self-selected playlists seemed to work best.
My thoughts: Recently, a Premier League soccer team manager was chastised for making his players train to music. Little did we know how right he (possibly) was.
Cursing Out Loud Can Boost Power Output
This study tested whether cursing out loud could actually enhance performance in athletes. Yes, really. In two experiments, 56 trained men and women either repeated swear words or neutral words while doing a handgrip strength test or a 30-second cycling sprint. The results? Swearing led to stronger grip force in men and significantly higher peak and average power in the cycling test across the board. Interestingly, this wasn’t because participants felt more hyped up or had a higher heart rate—those measures didn’t change. Researchers believe that swearing might help release mental inhibition, allowing you to dig a little deeper when effort peaks. It won’t turn you into a superhero—but in a moment of max effort, it might just help you push a little harder.
My thoughts: Yes, they really studied this. Is there a benefit to swearing at someone, something, yourself, the sky? I know I found it therapeutic in my athletic career... until I got sent off.
Menstrual Cycles Impact Muscle Repair After Training
This study tracked hormone changes across the menstrual cycle and how they affect muscle recovery in active women. Over nine weeks, researchers followed 13 recreationally trained females and found that in the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle), muscle damage from resistance training lasted longer and recovery was slower—even when the workout was the same. Markers of muscle inflammation were higher, suggesting the body needs more time to bounce back during this phase. If you're a female athlete or coach, this has big implications for how recovery and intensity should be managed.
My thoughts: As more research is published on female athletes, I think we'll see more insights like this. This study should be headed by any coach working with female athletes—so that they can adjust training intensity and allow for adequate recovery and reduce injury risk. How willing coaches will be to do this is another matter.
That’s all for this week! If you learned something new and are curious to know more, head over to the Blonyx Blog or my growing list of weekly research summaries where I help you further improve your athletic performance by keeping you up to date on the latest findings from the world of sports science.
– Train hard!
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