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Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Christopher on 05/03/2009 01:30:02

Title: Can listening to music burn calories?
Post by: Christopher on 05/03/2009 01:30:02
Christopher asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Since music can affect brainwaves, can listening to music that is very energetic burn calories specifically from increased brainwave activity alone, and maybe then from increased heart rate?

Thanks,
Christopher Lee

What do you think?
Title: Can listening to music burn calories?
Post by: techmind on 05/03/2009 09:11:16
As a physicist I would very much doubt that the brain will burn significantly more calories when listening to music. I'm not saying that you wouldn't be able to measure something with very sensitive equipment - but it won't be enough to make a practical difference. The listening-to-music diet won't be effective.

As you suggest in your question, it is very plausible that listening to music may increase you heart rate, cause you to start tapping your foot or jigging your leg which in turn will burn calories. People often find that listening to music has the psychological effect of allowing them to do boring repetitive tasks (including "exercise" or running/jogging) more intensively or for longer, so there can be valid indirect effects.
Title: Can listening to music burn calories?
Post by: Don_1 on 05/03/2009 09:21:45
Would it equally be the case then, that listening to relaxing, calming music might cause a reduction in energy use?
Title: Can listening to music burn calories?
Post by: Damo the Optics Monkey on 05/03/2009 09:23:07
the tapping of feet and the jigging about (or like me, busting a move - sometimes while walking in the street) surely would be an indirect benefit of a music-diet
Title: Can listening to music burn calories?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 05/03/2009 18:10:10
This thread may interest you. http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=18589.0
Title: Can listening to music burn calories?
Post by: Christopher on 07/03/2009 08:46:51
The listening-to-music diet won't be effective.
Haha.  Oh well.
"there can be valid indirect effects"
Ahh, good to know.
Thanks.
Title: Can listening to music burn calories?
Post by: Christopher on 07/03/2009 08:52:57
Would it equally be the case then, that listening to relaxing, calming music might cause a reduction in energy use?

Interesting.

What about relaxing so that we can focus on creative problem solving, inventing or just being creative.  Does that use more mental energy than just going about our hum drum daily tasks?

Relaxing music can lead to arousal between mates.  We know where I am headed with that one in reference to burning calories :)