The application of music-video in exercise: A grounded theory approach
Bird, J.M., & Karageorghis, C.I.
Brunel University London, UK
Despite researchers’ bourgeoning interest in the effects of music during exercise (see e.g., Clark, Baker, & Taylor, 2016, Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 25, 76-104;
Karageorghis, C.I., & Bird, J.M., 2016, In A. Morrell (Ed.) Art in Motion III (pp. 149- 173). Munich, Germany: Peter Lang), there is a paucity of research addressing the effects of music-videos. This is surprising given that audiovisual stimuli (e.g., music- videos) have become almost unavoidable forms of distraction in contemporary health and fitness facilities (Hutchinson, Karageorghis, & Jones, 2015, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 49, 199-211). There is currently a dearth of conceptual frameworks to inform the selection of appropriate music-videos in the exercise domain. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the uses and effects of music-videos during exercise and to propose a theory grounded in data that will underpin the application of music-videos. Corbin and Strauss’s (2008, Basics of qualitative research:
Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (3rd ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage) variant of grounded theory was employed in this study. With institutional ethics approval, participants (n = 13) completed daily diary sheets on each visit to an exercise facility over a 4-week period. Subsequently, participants (n
= 12) were interviewed regarding their exercise experience in the presence of music- videos. Furthermore, members of staff (n = 2) were recruited for interview as part of the theoretical sampling process. Diary sheets and interview transcripts were
analysed using open, axial, and selective coding. Results provide support for a multi- directional relationship between the music-video stimuli (e.g. musical tempo, visual narrative), the characteristics of the exerciser (e.g. age, personality), the nature of the exercise (e.g. modality, intensity), the listening/viewing environment (e.g. sound fidelity, screen accessibility), and logistical issues for the exercise facility (e.g.
licensing, safety). Additionally, the music-videos prompted a range of responses concerning exercisers’ cognitions, affective states, and behaviours. The resultant substantive theory identifies the factors that require consideration in the selection of music-videos. Furthermore, it presents the potential benefits and limitations that such videos might facilitate in the exercise context. Given the increasing application of music-video, the framework bears relevance to exercisers, health/performance practitioners, and researchers.
