Physical Effects and Motor Responses to Music

Abstract

This article briefly surveys the literature on experiments relating to the physical effects of listening to music, as well as motor responses to music. The various response parameters discussed include heart rate, respiration, galvanic skin resistance, and muscle tension. Motor response to music is discussed as well. Other aspects considered are methodolgical issues, the comparative responsitivity of musical and nonmusical subjects, and the problem of subjective and objective correspondence of response data. Some cautions and directions for future research are discussed briefly.