year 14, Issue 1 (Continuously Updated 2026)                   Ann Appl Sport Sci 2026, 14(1): 0-0 | Back to browse issues page


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Liu L, Jian X, Bustang B, Kueh Y C, Kuan G. Effects of Rhythm Training on Open Skill Athletes' Performance: A Systematic Review. Ann Appl Sport Sci 2026; 14 (1)
URL: http://aassjournal.com/article-1-1664-en.html
1- Institute of Physical Education, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221116, China & Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
2- University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, No. 369, Qingdao National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Shandong Province, China
3- Department of Health and Sport Science, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia
4- Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
5- Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia , garry@usm.my
Abstract:   (126 Views)
Background. In open skill sports, rhythm serves as a critical performance component. Rhythm-based training has been proposed to enhance athletes' adaptability, refine timing, and optimize psychological readiness within unpredictable and dynamic environments.
Objectives. This systematic review evaluated the effects of rhythm training on athletic performance across various open skill sports.
Methods. A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Scopus) from inception through January 3, 2026. The included studies employed physical or technical rhythm-based interventions, including interactive metronome training, music stimuli, tempo-regulated exercises with heart rate feedback, and rhythmic competence assessments. All included studies involved athletes participating in open skill sports.
Results. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that rhythm training can positively influence both physiological and psychological outcomes, including improved heart rate regulation, reduced fatigue, enhanced emotional stability, and greater rhythmic competence. These adaptations were associated with better reaction time, increased movement accuracy, and improved technical consistency in sport-specific tasks.
Conclusion. Rhythm training appears to be a promising approach for enhancing athletic performance in open skill sports. Further research should investigate its long-term effects and applicability across diverse athletic populations, integrating both physiological and psychological outcome measures.
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APPLICABLE REMARKS
  • This review highlights the practical potential of rhythm-based training for enhancing athletic performance in open-skill sports through integrated physiological, psychological, and technical benefits.
  • The synthesized evidence provides practitioners with evidence-informed guidance for optimizing rhythm-based training interventions within sport-specific contexts.
  • Based on the available findings, music tempos ranging from approximately 100–140 BPM appear to be suitable for rhythm-based training applications. Lower tempos (approximately 100–110 BPM) may be particularly appropriate for tasks emphasizing coordination, movement control, and fine motor skills.
  • oderate tempos (approximately 120–130 BPM) are commonly associated with improvements in explosive power, agility, and general movement efficiency. Higher tempos (approximately 135–140 BPM) may be beneficial for fast-paced, high-intensity open skill sports, as they are linked to increased neuromuscular activation, enhanced attentional focus, and improved temporal precision.
  • Practitioners are encouraged to tailor tempo selection according to sport-specific demands, task characteristics, and individual athlete responses.

Type of Study: Systematic Review/Meta Analysis | Subject: Sport Psychology and its Related Branches
Received: 2025/09/23 | Accepted: 2026/01/15

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