Acute Effects of Self-Selected Music Intervention on Golf Performance and Anxiety Level in Collegiate Golfers: A Crossover Study

Music has been reported as a positive intervention for improving psychophysiological conditions and exercise performance. However, the effects of music intervention on golf performance in association with psychophysiological responses have not been well examined in the literature. The purpose of the study was to investigate the acute effects of self-selected music intervention on golf swing and putting performance, heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), and anxiety. Twenty collegiate golfers voluntarily participated in this study (age = 20.2 ± 1.4 years, height = 171.7 ± 8.0 cm, body weight = 69.5 ± 14.6 kg, golf experience = 7.5 ± 2.1 years). A cross-over and within-subject design was used in this study. Participants performed a non-music trial (T1), pre-exercise music trial (T2), and simultaneous music trial (T3) in a randomized order with 48–72 h apart. The participants were attached to a HR monitor to record the HR and HRV during the measurement. The golf swing and putting performance was assessed by using the Golfzon golf simulator system. The state-trait anxiety inventory-state questionnaire (STAI-S) was used to evaluate anxiety state. All measurements were taken during baseline (phase one) and after resting or music intervention (phase two). Repeated measurement of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Cohen’s effect size (ES) were used for statistical analyses. The results show no significant differences in golf swing and putting performance (p > 0.05). However, significant decrease in STAI-S score was found in T2 (p = 0.047, ES = 0.32). A significant increase in the standard deviation of normal R-R interval (SDNN), low-frequency power spectrum (LF), standard deviation of along the line-of-identity (SD2) in T2 and T3 were observed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a single pre-exercise or simultaneous self-selected music intervention contributes minor effects to golf performance in collegiate golfers. The positive benefits of self-selected music intervention on the psychological condition and cardia-related modulation while practicing golf is warranted.

Observational Data: Analysis of the Frequency Spectrum

This chapter is an analysis of the frequency-power spectrum. It first discusses the probabilistic methods for detecting signatures of individual modes in the spectrum, including schemes that incorporate a Bayesian framework for the analysis. The chapter then turns to the automated detection of the ensemble signatures of the oscillations. Next, this chapter considers the detailed peak-bagging analysis, where a multiparameter model is fitted to the spectrum to provide robust estimates of parameters of the individual modes. It introduces the fundamentals, discusses the practical implementation and challenges, and finally considers the additional challenges posed by subgiants and red giants showing mixed modes.

Evaluating Acupuncture Point and Nonacupuncture Point Stimulation with EEG: A High-Frequency Power Spectrum Analysis

To identify physical and sensory responses to acupuncture point stimulation (APS), nonacupuncture point stimulation (NAPS) and no stimulation (NS), changes in the high-frequency power spectrum before and after stimulation were evaluated with electroencephalography (EEG). A total of 37 healthy subjects received APS at the LI4 point, NAPS, or NS with their eyes closed. Background brain waves were measured before, during, and after stimulation using 8 channels. Changes in the power spectra of gamma waves and high beta waves before, during, and after stimulation were comparatively analyzed. After NAPS, absolute high beta power (AHBP), relative high beta power (RHBP), absolute gamma power (AGP), and relative gamma power (RGP) tended to increase in all channels. But no consistent notable changes were found for APS and NS. NAPS is believed to cause temporary reactions to stress, tension, and sensory responses of the human body, while APS responds stably compared to stimulation of other parts of the body.

Shape Design Using 1/F Fluctuation Characteristics

An attempt has been made to develop a method of introducing 1/f fluctuation characteristics into aesthetic objects. First, topographic features of various tea bowls are measured using laser metrology, and their wave patterns are analyzed by the FFT and characterized by using power spectrums. The quantification of an affective factor involved on the outer surface of the tea bowls shows that the handmade tea bowls have an inclination close to −1 on the spatial frequency-power spectrum diagram, which means that it has 1/f fluctuation characteristics. A mass-produced one, on the other hand, tends to have an inclination of near −2, which gives us a monotonous or dull impression. Next, the 1/f fluctuation property is applied to shape design, in which the surface of a tea bowl is created using the measured texture. Rapid prototyping technology is employed to substantiate the model, and it has been confirmed that the accuracy of duplicates is satisfactory. Finally, a mathematical model with 1/f fluctuation characteristics is illustrated to mimic a real handmade tea bowl by using the proposed method.