Effect of High-Level Headphone Sound Exposure on Exercise Responses in Young Healthy Individuals

The Effect of High-Level Headphone Sound Exposure on Cardiorespiratory Responses and Perceived Exertion

This study will investigate the effect of high-level headphone sound exposure on cardiorespiratory responses and perceived exertion during a submaximal treadmill exercise test in young healthy individuals. Healthy volunteers aged 18 to 30 years will complete two exercise sessions under two different conditions: zero-sound and high-level sound exposure. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and perceived exertion will be evaluated before, during, and after exercise.

Portable audio devices and headphones are widely used in daily life, especially by young individuals. High-level sound exposure may affect not only the auditory system but also cardiovascular and respiratory responses. During exercise, auditory stimuli may also influence perceived exertion.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of high-level headphone sound exposure on cardiorespiratory responses and perceived exertion during submaximal treadmill exercise in young healthy individuals. The study will be conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Hamidiye Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences. A total of 38 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 30 years will be included. Each participant will complete both study conditions in random order. In the zero-sound condition, participants will wear headphones without music playback. In the high-level sound condition, participants will listen to the same music file at approximately 80-82 dB using the same headphone model and playback device.

Exercise testing will be performed according to the Ebbeling Single-Stage Submaximal Treadmill Walking Test. The two sessions will be performed on the same day with a 30-minute washout period between conditions. Outcome measures will include heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and perceived exertion assessed with the Modified Borg Scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy adults aged 18 to 30 years
• Male or female participants
• No regular exercise habit
• Voluntary participation with written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any cardiopulmonary, neurological, or musculoskeletal disease
• Any acute cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal complaint
• Infection, fever, dizziness, fatigue, or similar temporary health problem on the test day
• Alcohol consumption within 12 hours before testing
• Caffeine consumption within 3 hours before testing
• Vigorous physical activity within 24 hours before testing
• Inability to complete the exercise protocol or withdrawal from the study