Effects of musical tempi on visual attention ERPs

Int J Neurosci. 2005 Feb;115(2):193-206. doi: 10.1080/00207450590519094.

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to examine whether fast and slow musical tempi have different effects on selective attention evaluated through ERPs and task performance. A high demanding visual selective attention task was performed by the subjects: without music (BL) and with Bach's music in slow (ST) and fast tempi (FT). Difference waves were obtained substracting non-target from target. FT caused a reduction in reaction time and N2d and P3d latencies and in P3d amplitude. N2d latency was longer in ST than BL and FT. Music played in FT induced a faster stimuli evaluation and response than ST.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Music*
  • Reaction Time