Title: Effects of computer-generated music on human physiological, metabolic and endocrine responses

Authors: Petra Hanson; David Ko; Andrew Ko; Asad Ali; Sudhesh Kumar; Ian Spero; Thomas M. Barber

Addresses: Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK ' Preceptiv, 22 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1EA, UK ' Preceptiv, 22 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1EA, UK ' Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK ' Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK; Division of Translational and Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, UK; Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK ' Rock Couture Productions Ltd., 5 Elstree gate, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JD, UK ' Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK; Division of Translational and Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, UK; Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK

Abstract: To explore effects of program-generated music on physiological, metabolic and endocrine responses. Five healthy males underwent whole-body calorimetry using a standard protocol on three separate days, with no music on day 1 (D1), and genre-specific music from online computer-generated program on days 2 (D2: random track selection) and 3 (D3: track selection based on subject-inputted mood). Measurements included pulse, blood pressure (BP), and blood samples for serum cortisol. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Compared with D1, overall metabolic rate during D2 and D3 was reduced by 54.7 kcal (p = 0.03) and 70.6kcal (p = 0.01), respectively, and daytime drop in serum cortisol level was lessened by 125 mmol/l (p = 0.02) and 45 mmol/l (p = 0.04), respectively. Acute effects of music on BP were dependent on genre-specific popularity. Computer-generated music reduces overall metabolic rate, influences cortisol diurnal rhythm and has acute effects on physiological responses based on genre-preference.

Keywords: computer-generated music; musical genres; metabolism; cardiovascular responses; music programs; serum cortisol; creative activities; healthcare; human responses; physiological responses; metabolic responses; endocrine responses; random track selection; mood based selection; pulse; blood pressure; metabolic rate; diurnal rhythm.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCRC.2016.076069

International Journal of Creative Computing, 2016 Vol.1 No.2/3/4, pp.308 - 329

Received: 28 Aug 2015
Accepted: 11 Jan 2016
Published online: 22 Apr 2016 *

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