Affective phenomena, such as core affect, remembered pleasure, or forecasted pleasure, play a key role in promoting physical activity (PA) behaviour, especially among inpatients. The use of music has been shown to be a particularly cost-effective and low-friction approach to promoting positive affective valence during PA. However, interventions using music to improve exercise-related affective phenomena among inpatients are lacking. This study will aim to investigate an intervention that combines the effects of music with the "peak-end rule" on core affective responses (valence and arousal), remembered pleasure, and forecasted pleasure associated with exercise sessions among cardiac rehabilitation inpatients.

The primary objective of the present study will be to examine the effect of differentiated music exposure on core affective responses, ratings of perceived exertion and psychophysiological responses to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), as well as on associated remembered pleasure, exercise enjoyment, and forecasted pleasure. A secondary objective will be to assess the potential mediating effect of affective valence at the end of the MICT on remembered pleasure and exercise enjoyment. A third objective will be to assess the effect of MICT with or without music on an emotional rating task, together with pupillometric measures. Finally, the study will examine the influence of remembered pleasure on subsequent forecasted pleasure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals enrolled in an inpatient 3-week cardiac exercise-based rehabilitation programme
• Age range 50-75 years
• Can withstand the study protocol without undue risk
• Able to provide written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication to physical activity in view of the health status
• Presence of cognitive or psychological disorder
• Hearing impairment with or without hearing aids