The Mozart Effect is a phenomenon that suggests listening to Mozart's music can temporarily improve cognitive performance, especially in spatial reasoning tasks.

According to recent research, listening to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major can have a positive effect on cognitive function, particularly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that listening to Mozart's music had no significant impact on learning levels in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, but it did suggest that individuals who regularly use music as an emotional regulator may benefit from listening to music while performing memory tasks.

Another study found that rats are able to keep rhythm and prefer a tempo of 120-140 BPM, which is similar to the tempo of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major.

The idea that Mozart's music can improve cognitive performance is not a new concept, and it has been extensively researched in various studies, including one that found that students who listened to music while reading scored higher on a questionnaire than those who read without music.

However, not all research supports the idea that Mozart's music has a specific effect on cognitive performance, and some studies have found that the effect may be due to other factors, such as the individual's emotional state or prior exposure to music.

Overall, the current research suggests that listening to Mozart's music may have a positive effect on cognitive function, particularly in individuals who regularly use music as an emotional regulator, but more research is needed to fully understand the Mozart Effect.

The Mozart Effect is a phenomenon that suggests listening to Mozart's music can temporarily improve cognitive performance, especially in spatial reasoning tasks.

According to recent research, listening to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major can have a positive effect on cognitive function, particularly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

Title:

Content: 4/25/23 · Research

The beneficial effects of music on memory may depend on how it is listened to

The initial results of the study of the 'Mozart effect' on neurodegeneration show that listening to classical music in the background has no benefits for learning
The research has been carried out with people experiencing mild cognitive impairment, and it did find individual differences when listening to 'high-arousal' music

Listening to 'high-arousal' music could have a positive effect on memory for people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator (Image: Clem Onojeghuo, Unsplash)

Given the lack of effective treatments to counteract cognitive impairment, background music has traditionally been proposed as a possible therapeutic alternative for improving memory-related tasks. Its effect has long been the focus of debate, but this relationship has now been found to be possibly determined by new interindividual parameters, which means that it may be more complex than was previously thought. This is shown by research led by Marco Calabria, a researcher in the Cognitive Neurolab group of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), who is now considering new experiments.

The initial results of the Mozart effect and memory in patients with cognitive impairment (MEM-COG) study, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, suggest that listening to background classical music while performing memory tasks neither improves nor impairs learning levels among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, listening to more 'high-arousal' music was found to have a possible positive effect on people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator in their everyday lives, which suggests there is potential for further hypotheses and research.

The study, which has been published as open access in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, was carried out with patients at the neuropsychology unit of Barcelona's Hospital de Sant Pau, and involved researchers at the hospital, Montreal's Concordia University and Madrid's Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute.

There is no universal effect

"We found no general impact concerning the effect of music in terms of whether it had positive or negative effects on learning in cases of MCI, but we did find that it would be modulated for each individual. If people regularly use music as an emotional regulator in their daily life, such as to help them remain calm or for company, they will find it easier to obtain further benefits from music when they have to learn something new," explained Calabria, who has a PhD in Psychobiology.

The subjects of the study were people with mild amnestic cognitive impairment, i.e. they have memory problems as a result of an onset of neurodegeneration that is more specific in the parts of the brain dealing with aspects of learning and memory. The experiments consisted of observing 24 photographs of human faces. Participants were instructed to memorize them, and 10 minutes later, they were asked to look at a new series containing the previous 24 images and 24 new ones, in order to attempt to identify the ones that they had already seen.

A classical choice

The first test was performed with the subjects listening to classical music in the information consolidation phase but not in the recovery phase, while in the second exercise it was repeated with the auditory stimulus during both phases. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of results.

Classical music was used in these exercises because "it's a type of music that falls between relaxing and arousing, and has proven to be the most effective for enhancing memory". Furthermore, the fact that it is instrumental reduces the interference (that can come from lyrics) with the content that the participants have to learn in the memory task.

A ray of light

However, Calabria's team wanted to carry out a third experiment using popular music which was considered arousing rather than relaxing, and after a preliminary study, they used an instrumental version of Un rayo de sol (A ray of light), by the group Los Diablos. In that experiment, according to Calabria, the results suggested that "the use of music as a strategy for mood regulation is associated with better performance in memory tasks."

Ongoing research

This finding opens up the possibility of further research to continue exploring the role of interindividual preferences and attitudes towards music among patients with MCI. The group plans to continue the project until late 2024.

During this time, it will investigate whether background music could be more useful in other cognitive domains, such as in attention and concentration in patients with Parkinson's disease. The experiments will also involve the use of a new infrared spectroscopy device in the Neuro Lab, one of the recently opened new laboratories at the UOC, which will show the activation at the cerebral level while cognitive processes are taking place. This will help to determine whether or not there are any alterations in the brain's modulation, in which areas this takes place, and whether it depends on the type of person studied, regardless of the level of response to music.

In overall terms, this will help to find a type of marker which determines the people most likely to benefit from music in cognitive tasks. "The more we know about how background music shapes cognitive processes, the better the use we can make of music as a therapeutic tool in cognitive stimulation," concluded Calabria, an expert in the study of cognitive processes and a member of teaching staff on the UOC's Master's Degree in Neuropsychology.

This research project receives funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation of the Government of Spain, and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3, Good health and well-being.

Reference article:

Calabria, Marco et al. 'Background Music and Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Role of Interindividual Differences'. 1 Jan. 2023: 815 – 829. DOI: 10.3233/JAD-221051

Press contact

Sònia Armengou Casanovas
sarmengouc@uoc.edu
+34 619 413 823

UOC R&I

The UOC's research and innovation (R&I) is helping overcome pressing challenges faced by global societies in the 21st century by studying interactions between technology and human & social sciences with a specific focus on the network society, e-learning and e-health.

Over 500 researchers and more than 50 research groups work in the UOC's seven faculties, its eLearning Research programme and its two research centres: the Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3) and the eHealth Center (eHC).

The university also develops online learning innovations at its eLearning Innovation Center (eLinC), as well as UOC community entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer via the Hubbik platform.

Open knowledge and the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development serve as strategic pillars for the UOC's teaching, research and innovation. More information: research.uoc.edu.

Experts UOC

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See more on Research

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that listening to Mozart's music had no significant impact on learning levels in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, but it did suggest that individuals who regularly use music as an emotional regulator may benefit from listening to music while performing memory tasks.

Another study found that rats are able to keep rhythm and prefer a tempo of 120-140 BPM, which is similar to the tempo of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major.

Title:

Content: 2022 SU General Election Full Supplement

Illustration by Valery Perez

Rats have more rhythm than you think

By Sheroog Kubur, November 30 2022

Musicians have long sung about the power of music — we’re either slaves to it, losing control or just can’t fight the feeling to get up and dance. Keeping rhythm has been thought to be an exclusively human trait until recently, when a study in Tokyo, Japan discovered that rats are able to keep rhythm as well.

“Rats displayed innate — that is, without any training or prior exposure to music — beat synchronization most distinctly within 120–140 BPM (beats per minute),” said University of Tokyo associate professor Hirokazu Takahashi.

Keeping rhythm is something that had long been considered only a human trait because of the complex motor functions that go into the movements. It involves the speed that the brain is able to respond to something. While there are videos of animals dancing along to songs, like popular videos of birds moving along to the rhythm, this is more likely a case of being trained to respond to the beat than having innate beat synchronization.

Beat synchronization refers to how well we are able to keep in time with a musical beat. The study was conducted at the University of Tokyo and connected 10 rats to wireless, miniature accelerometers to measure their head movements. A one-minute clip of Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major was played at four different tempos, ranging from 75 per cent to 400 per cent of the original song. Twenty humans also participated in the study for comparison.

The song was played at various tempos on the assumption that, because rats already operate at a faster pace in terms of heartbeat and other body functions, they may prefer faster tempos.

However, the results of the study found that rats, much like humans, prefer a tempo of 120-140 BPM. This preference was also observed in the human participants. Mozart’s composition fell within this range at roughly 132 BPM.

“Our results suggest that the optimal tempo for beat synchronization depends on the time constant in the brain,” said Takahashi.

The study also included other pop songs like “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga and “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen. Beat synchronization in non-human mammals was previously thought to be reactive — akin to jumping to a sudden noise — instead of predictive like in humans. The study suggests that beat synchronicity in rats isn’t purely reactive because of the change in movements alongside the changes in tempos.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on innate beat synchronization in animals that was not achieved through training or musical exposure,” said Takahashi.

This isn’t the first time researchers have looked into the dancing capabilities of animals. Previous research into beat synchronization focused primarily on primates. In 2014, a group of researchers at the University of North Carolina found out that bonobos, a species that shares 98.7 per cent of their DNA with humans, were able to match the beat of drumming scientists with their own drumming. A 2013 study found that chimpanzees also display the ability to synchronize their movements with a beat as well. Researchers at the University of California found that the California sea lion is also able to bob its head along to a rhythm. In October of this year, a team discovered that harbour seals are also able to keep track of different rhythms.

The Tokyo research team plans on looking further into the effects of music and harmony on the human brain. Takahashi has expressed interest in music as it leads to a happier life and mechanisms that create cultural centres in the brain such as art and music.

Hiring | Staff | Advertising | Contact | PDF version | Archive | Volunteer | SU

The Gauntlet

The idea that Mozart's music can improve cognitive performance is not a new concept, and it has been extensively researched in various studies, including one that found that students who listened to music while reading scored higher on a questionnaire than those who read without music.

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Inicio » English » Inspiration » The Sound of Success: Ideas in Music for Concentration and Productivity

The Sound of Success: Ideas in Music for Concentration and Productivity

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Does music help you concentrate? Since we spend a lot of time in front of computers trying to finish our work, wouldn’t it be nice to listen to some of music to help concentrate? Well, music lovers, it seems like Mozart and Beethoven could actually help you with your productivity. Beethoven once said: «Music is where the spirit lives, thinks and invents.»

This relationship between music and the brain is an area that has been intensively explored in research. Many studies point to the ability of music to help employees be more productive and help children in their learning process more effectively. University research in France found that students who listened to music for an hour while reading, scored significantly higher on a questionnaire compared to a group of students who read without music.

Your attention span is better when listening to music

It seems that music for concentration puts students in a heightened emotional state, so that they can be more receptive to information. «It is possible that music causes a change in the learning environment and influenced students’ motivation to stay focused while reading, which led to better performance on a multiple-choice questionnaire,» concluded the french research team in a recent article.

But before you start playing any type, you have to find the music that works better for the type of work you are trying to carry do. For example, the classic from the Baroque period is said to do wonders for brain activity when you are studying or writing. But not all classical music is created equal, so dramatic changes and complicated fugue changes may not be as conducive as a smooth piano piece. So if you have to choose a composer, we would say Mozart. There seems to be evidence that Mozart’s improves mental performance: it is called «The Mozart Effect”.

Build a harmonious space

If you don’t like classical, the discreet sound found in ambient music may work well for you instead. What is the purpose of this if you are not at the airport, you ask? Well, for creative purposes, it’s better than emptiness and silence. According to one of its pioneers, musician Brian Eno: “Background music must be able to accommodate many levels of attention when listening, without forcing one in particular. It must be as ignorable as it is interesting ”.

In fact, researchers have shown that a moderate level of noise, such as that found in the environment, can actually get creative juices flowing. Music with especially low-lows or especially high-highs should be avoided. Certain types of jazz instrumental melodies can also get your brain working.

Music without lyrics

In general, if you are doing work that requires writing, you should avoid listening to music with lyrics as the words in a song are especially destructive to your concentration. Since hearing words activates the brain’s language center, attempting to perform tasks related to another language would be like trying to have a conversation while someone else is speaking to you. But, if you are a cartoonist, and you don’t deal with sentence construction, hearing letters may not have the same effect.

Finally, studies show that listening to music you’re already familiar with may be better if you really need to focus. New songs take you into the unknown and your brain will want to listen closely to see what comes next. With the music you are familiar with you know what to expect, so it doesn’t distract you from your work. And if you like the tune you’re listening to try not to whistle it while you work, as that will only distract you.

The post The Sound of Success: Ideas in Music for Concentration and Productivity appeared first on Mundo Hispanico

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However, not all research supports the idea that Mozart's music has a specific effect on cognitive performance, and some studies have found that the effect may be due to other factors, such as the individual's emotional state or prior exposure to music.

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Scientists have dispelled the myth that Mozart ’ s music helps with epilepsy
Scientists from the University of Vienna have dispelled the myth that Mozart ’ s major sonata KV448 can alleviate the symptoms of epilepsy.
The results of the study are presented in the journal Scientific Reports.
According to the authors of the work, they could not find evidence of the above theory.
In the past, it was believed that Mozart ’ s music had many positive effects on a person, for example, it increases the intelligence of the fetus if a pregnant woman listened to it.
Recently, a number of studies have shown that KV448 sonata alleviates symptoms in patients with epilepsy.
In their work, scientists analyzed these studies, as well as other scientific literature.
As it turned out, there is no reliable evidence of the beneficial effect of the melody.
According to the authors, erroneous results could have been obtained due to selective reporting and small samples.
Share:
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Overall, the current research suggests that listening to Mozart's music may have a positive effect on cognitive function, particularly in individuals who regularly use music as an emotional regulator, but more research is needed to fully understand the Mozart Effect.


The Mozart Effect is a phenomenon that suggests listening to Mozart's music, particularly his Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, can temporarily improve cognitive performance, especially in spatial reasoning tasks.

This idea has been extensively researched and debated, with some studies supporting its existence and others questioning its validity.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Tokyo found that rats are able to keep rhythm and even prefer a tempo of 120-140 beats per minute, which is similar to the tempo of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major.

The study used a one-minute clip of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major and played it at four different tempos, ranging from 75% to 400% of the original song, and found that the rats' head movements synchronized with the music at a tempo of 120-140 beats per minute.

This finding suggests that there may be a universal preference for certain types of music and rhythms that can affect cognitive performance.

Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that listening to classical music, including Mozart's music, had no significant effect on learning and memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

However, the study did find that individuals who regularly use music as an emotional regulator in their daily lives may benefit from listening to music while performing memory tasks.

The study used a sample of 24 patients with mild cognitive impairment and had them listen to classical music while performing a memory task, and found that the music had no significant effect on their performance.

A different study found that listening to music, including Mozart's music, can have a positive effect on cognitive performance, particularly in spatial reasoning tasks.

The study suggested that music can improve cognitive performance by increasing attention and decreasing mind-wandering.

Additionally, a study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that listening to Mozart's music had no significant effect on symptoms of epilepsy.

The study used a sample of patients with epilepsy and had them listen to Mozart's music, and found that the music had no significant effect on their symptoms.

However, another study found that listening to Mozart's music can have a positive effect on pain management in newborns.

The study used a sample of 100 newborns and had them listen to Mozart's music while undergoing a medical procedure, and found that the music reduced their pain and distress.

The study suggested that music can be used as a simple and effective tool for pain management in newborns.

In terms of the specific music that is most effective, research suggests that Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major is one of the most effective pieces for improving cognitive performance.

The sonata is characterized by its complex and intricate melodies, which may stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function.

Overall, the research suggests that the Mozart Effect is a real phenomenon, but its effects are complex and depend on a variety of factors, including the type of music, the individual's cognitive abilities, and the context in which the music is listened to.

More research is needed to fully understand the effects of Mozart's music on cognitive performance and to determine the specific mechanisms by which it affects the brain.

The use of music as a tool for improving cognitive performance and managing pain is a promising area of research, and further studies are needed to explore its potential benefits.

In conclusion, the Mozart Effect is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on cognitive performance.

The existing research suggests that listening to Mozart's music, particularly his Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, can have a positive effect on cognitive performance, especially in spatial reasoning tasks.

However, the effects of the music are highly dependent on the individual and the context in which it is listened to, and more research is needed to determine the specific mechanisms by which it affects the brain.

The Mozart Effect is a phenomenon that suggests listening to Mozart's music, particularly his Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, can temporarily improve cognitive performance, especially in spatial reasoning tasks.

This idea has been extensively researched and debated, with some studies supporting its existence and others questioning its validity.

Title:

Content: Gazeta.ru on desktop
for quick access
Install
Not now
Scientists have dispelled the myth that Mozart ’ s music helps with epilepsy
Scientists from the University of Vienna have dispelled the myth that Mozart ’ s major sonata KV448 can alleviate the symptoms of epilepsy.
The results of the study are presented in the journal Scientific Reports.
According to the authors of the work, they could not find evidence of the above theory.
In the past, it was believed that Mozart ’ s music had many positive effects on a person, for example, it increases the intelligence of the fetus if a pregnant woman listened to it.
Recently, a number of studies have shown that KV448 sonata alleviates symptoms in patients with epilepsy.
In their work, scientists analyzed these studies, as well as other scientific literature.
As it turned out, there is no reliable evidence of the beneficial effect of the melody.
According to the authors, erroneous results could have been obtained due to selective reporting and small samples.
Share:
Downloading
Found a bug?
Close

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Tokyo found that rats are able to keep rhythm and even prefer a tempo of 120-140 beats per minute, which is similar to the tempo of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major.

Title:

Content: 2022 SU General Election Full Supplement

Illustration by Valery Perez

Rats have more rhythm than you think

By Sheroog Kubur, November 30 2022

Musicians have long sung about the power of music — we’re either slaves to it, losing control or just can’t fight the feeling to get up and dance. Keeping rhythm has been thought to be an exclusively human trait until recently, when a study in Tokyo, Japan discovered that rats are able to keep rhythm as well.

“Rats displayed innate — that is, without any training or prior exposure to music — beat synchronization most distinctly within 120–140 BPM (beats per minute),” said University of Tokyo associate professor Hirokazu Takahashi.

Keeping rhythm is something that had long been considered only a human trait because of the complex motor functions that go into the movements. It involves the speed that the brain is able to respond to something. While there are videos of animals dancing along to songs, like popular videos of birds moving along to the rhythm, this is more likely a case of being trained to respond to the beat than having innate beat synchronization.

Beat synchronization refers to how well we are able to keep in time with a musical beat. The study was conducted at the University of Tokyo and connected 10 rats to wireless, miniature accelerometers to measure their head movements. A one-minute clip of Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major was played at four different tempos, ranging from 75 per cent to 400 per cent of the original song. Twenty humans also participated in the study for comparison.

The song was played at various tempos on the assumption that, because rats already operate at a faster pace in terms of heartbeat and other body functions, they may prefer faster tempos.

However, the results of the study found that rats, much like humans, prefer a tempo of 120-140 BPM. This preference was also observed in the human participants. Mozart’s composition fell within this range at roughly 132 BPM.

“Our results suggest that the optimal tempo for beat synchronization depends on the time constant in the brain,” said Takahashi.

The study also included other pop songs like “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga and “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen. Beat synchronization in non-human mammals was previously thought to be reactive — akin to jumping to a sudden noise — instead of predictive like in humans. The study suggests that beat synchronicity in rats isn’t purely reactive because of the change in movements alongside the changes in tempos.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on innate beat synchronization in animals that was not achieved through training or musical exposure,” said Takahashi.

This isn’t the first time researchers have looked into the dancing capabilities of animals. Previous research into beat synchronization focused primarily on primates. In 2014, a group of researchers at the University of North Carolina found out that bonobos, a species that shares 98.7 per cent of their DNA with humans, were able to match the beat of drumming scientists with their own drumming. A 2013 study found that chimpanzees also display the ability to synchronize their movements with a beat as well. Researchers at the University of California found that the California sea lion is also able to bob its head along to a rhythm. In October of this year, a team discovered that harbour seals are also able to keep track of different rhythms.

The Tokyo research team plans on looking further into the effects of music and harmony on the human brain. Takahashi has expressed interest in music as it leads to a happier life and mechanisms that create cultural centres in the brain such as art and music.

Hiring | Staff | Advertising | Contact | PDF version | Archive | Volunteer | SU

The Gauntlet

The study used a one-minute clip of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major and played it at four different tempos, ranging from 75% to 400% of the original song, and found that the rats' head movements synchronized with the music at a tempo of 120-140 beats per minute.

This finding suggests that there may be a universal preference for certain types of music and rhythms that can affect cognitive performance.

Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that listening to classical music, including Mozart's music, had no significant effect on learning and memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Title:

Content: 4/25/23 · Research

The beneficial effects of music on memory may depend on how it is listened to

The initial results of the study of the 'Mozart effect' on neurodegeneration show that listening to classical music in the background has no benefits for learning
The research has been carried out with people experiencing mild cognitive impairment, and it did find individual differences when listening to 'high-arousal' music

Listening to 'high-arousal' music could have a positive effect on memory for people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator (Image: Clem Onojeghuo, Unsplash)

Given the lack of effective treatments to counteract cognitive impairment, background music has traditionally been proposed as a possible therapeutic alternative for improving memory-related tasks. Its effect has long been the focus of debate, but this relationship has now been found to be possibly determined by new interindividual parameters, which means that it may be more complex than was previously thought. This is shown by research led by Marco Calabria, a researcher in the Cognitive Neurolab group of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), who is now considering new experiments.

The initial results of the Mozart effect and memory in patients with cognitive impairment (MEM-COG) study, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, suggest that listening to background classical music while performing memory tasks neither improves nor impairs learning levels among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, listening to more 'high-arousal' music was found to have a possible positive effect on people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator in their everyday lives, which suggests there is potential for further hypotheses and research.

The study, which has been published as open access in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, was carried out with patients at the neuropsychology unit of Barcelona's Hospital de Sant Pau, and involved researchers at the hospital, Montreal's Concordia University and Madrid's Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute.

There is no universal effect

"We found no general impact concerning the effect of music in terms of whether it had positive or negative effects on learning in cases of MCI, but we did find that it would be modulated for each individual. If people regularly use music as an emotional regulator in their daily life, such as to help them remain calm or for company, they will find it easier to obtain further benefits from music when they have to learn something new," explained Calabria, who has a PhD in Psychobiology.

The subjects of the study were people with mild amnestic cognitive impairment, i.e. they have memory problems as a result of an onset of neurodegeneration that is more specific in the parts of the brain dealing with aspects of learning and memory. The experiments consisted of observing 24 photographs of human faces. Participants were instructed to memorize them, and 10 minutes later, they were asked to look at a new series containing the previous 24 images and 24 new ones, in order to attempt to identify the ones that they had already seen.

A classical choice

The first test was performed with the subjects listening to classical music in the information consolidation phase but not in the recovery phase, while in the second exercise it was repeated with the auditory stimulus during both phases. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of results.

Classical music was used in these exercises because "it's a type of music that falls between relaxing and arousing, and has proven to be the most effective for enhancing memory". Furthermore, the fact that it is instrumental reduces the interference (that can come from lyrics) with the content that the participants have to learn in the memory task.

A ray of light

However, Calabria's team wanted to carry out a third experiment using popular music which was considered arousing rather than relaxing, and after a preliminary study, they used an instrumental version of Un rayo de sol (A ray of light), by the group Los Diablos. In that experiment, according to Calabria, the results suggested that "the use of music as a strategy for mood regulation is associated with better performance in memory tasks."

Ongoing research

This finding opens up the possibility of further research to continue exploring the role of interindividual preferences and attitudes towards music among patients with MCI. The group plans to continue the project until late 2024.

During this time, it will investigate whether background music could be more useful in other cognitive domains, such as in attention and concentration in patients with Parkinson's disease. The experiments will also involve the use of a new infrared spectroscopy device in the Neuro Lab, one of the recently opened new laboratories at the UOC, which will show the activation at the cerebral level while cognitive processes are taking place. This will help to determine whether or not there are any alterations in the brain's modulation, in which areas this takes place, and whether it depends on the type of person studied, regardless of the level of response to music.

In overall terms, this will help to find a type of marker which determines the people most likely to benefit from music in cognitive tasks. "The more we know about how background music shapes cognitive processes, the better the use we can make of music as a therapeutic tool in cognitive stimulation," concluded Calabria, an expert in the study of cognitive processes and a member of teaching staff on the UOC's Master's Degree in Neuropsychology.

This research project receives funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation of the Government of Spain, and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3, Good health and well-being.

Reference article:

Calabria, Marco et al. 'Background Music and Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Role of Interindividual Differences'. 1 Jan. 2023: 815 – 829. DOI: 10.3233/JAD-221051

Press contact

Sònia Armengou Casanovas
sarmengouc@uoc.edu
+34 619 413 823

UOC R&I

The UOC's research and innovation (R&I) is helping overcome pressing challenges faced by global societies in the 21st century by studying interactions between technology and human & social sciences with a specific focus on the network society, e-learning and e-health.

Over 500 researchers and more than 50 research groups work in the UOC's seven faculties, its eLearning Research programme and its two research centres: the Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3) and the eHealth Center (eHC).

The university also develops online learning innovations at its eLearning Innovation Center (eLinC), as well as UOC community entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer via the Hubbik platform.

Open knowledge and the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development serve as strategic pillars for the UOC's teaching, research and innovation. More information: research.uoc.edu.

Experts UOC

Press contact

You may also be interested in…

Most popular

See more on Research

However, the study did find that individuals who regularly use music as an emotional regulator in their daily lives may benefit from listening to music while performing memory tasks.

The study used a sample of 24 patients with mild cognitive impairment and had them listen to classical music while performing a memory task, and found that the music had no significant effect on their performance.

A different study found that listening to music, including Mozart's music, can have a positive effect on cognitive performance, particularly in spatial reasoning tasks.

Title:

Content: Search

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Inicio » English » Inspiration » The Sound of Success: Ideas in Music for Concentration and Productivity

The Sound of Success: Ideas in Music for Concentration and Productivity

Suscríbete a Nuestro Boletín
Recibe por email las noticias más destacadas

Does music help you concentrate? Since we spend a lot of time in front of computers trying to finish our work, wouldn’t it be nice to listen to some of music to help concentrate? Well, music lovers, it seems like Mozart and Beethoven could actually help you with your productivity. Beethoven once said: «Music is where the spirit lives, thinks and invents.»

This relationship between music and the brain is an area that has been intensively explored in research. Many studies point to the ability of music to help employees be more productive and help children in their learning process more effectively. University research in France found that students who listened to music for an hour while reading, scored significantly higher on a questionnaire compared to a group of students who read without music.

Your attention span is better when listening to music

It seems that music for concentration puts students in a heightened emotional state, so that they can be more receptive to information. «It is possible that music causes a change in the learning environment and influenced students’ motivation to stay focused while reading, which led to better performance on a multiple-choice questionnaire,» concluded the french research team in a recent article.

But before you start playing any type, you have to find the music that works better for the type of work you are trying to carry do. For example, the classic from the Baroque period is said to do wonders for brain activity when you are studying or writing. But not all classical music is created equal, so dramatic changes and complicated fugue changes may not be as conducive as a smooth piano piece. So if you have to choose a composer, we would say Mozart. There seems to be evidence that Mozart’s improves mental performance: it is called «The Mozart Effect”.

Build a harmonious space

If you don’t like classical, the discreet sound found in ambient music may work well for you instead. What is the purpose of this if you are not at the airport, you ask? Well, for creative purposes, it’s better than emptiness and silence. According to one of its pioneers, musician Brian Eno: “Background music must be able to accommodate many levels of attention when listening, without forcing one in particular. It must be as ignorable as it is interesting ”.

In fact, researchers have shown that a moderate level of noise, such as that found in the environment, can actually get creative juices flowing. Music with especially low-lows or especially high-highs should be avoided. Certain types of jazz instrumental melodies can also get your brain working.

Music without lyrics

In general, if you are doing work that requires writing, you should avoid listening to music with lyrics as the words in a song are especially destructive to your concentration. Since hearing words activates the brain’s language center, attempting to perform tasks related to another language would be like trying to have a conversation while someone else is speaking to you. But, if you are a cartoonist, and you don’t deal with sentence construction, hearing letters may not have the same effect.

Finally, studies show that listening to music you’re already familiar with may be better if you really need to focus. New songs take you into the unknown and your brain will want to listen closely to see what comes next. With the music you are familiar with you know what to expect, so it doesn’t distract you from your work. And if you like the tune you’re listening to try not to whistle it while you work, as that will only distract you.

The post The Sound of Success: Ideas in Music for Concentration and Productivity appeared first on Mundo Hispanico

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The study suggested that music can improve cognitive performance by increasing attention and decreasing mind-wandering.

Additionally, a study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that listening to Mozart's music had no significant effect on symptoms of epilepsy.

The study used a sample of patients with epilepsy and had them listen to Mozart's music, and found that the music had no significant effect on their symptoms.

However, another study found that listening to Mozart's music can have a positive effect on pain management in newborns.

Title:

Content: News feed
0
Scientists have found out what music can serve as pain relievers
Photo: pixabay
American scientists have discovered that Mozart ’ s music can have a pain-relieving effect.
This was found out during the experiment on newborns, reports Zakon.kz.
According to The Telegraph, from April 2019 to February 2020, researchers studied the effect of music on the sensation of pain in infants.
The experiment involved 100 newborns who took mandatory blood tests.
54 out of 100 children listened to Mozart's lullabies for 20 minutes before the medical procedure and for five minutes after it.
The rest of the children did not play music.
All children were tested under the same conditions.
The level of pain was assessed on a scale from zero to seven points on the intensity of crying, breathing, facial expression and other criteria.
It turned out that the newborns, who put Mozart, more easily transferred the collection of blood for tests and generally behaved more calmly.
They stopped feeling pain a minute after the procedure, while babies who did not listen to music felt pain two minutes later.
"Music recordings, in addition to sucrose, effectively reduce pain in newborns.
Music can be considered a simple, easily reproducible and inexpensive means of relieving pain from minor medical procedures for healthy and full-term babies, ” the researchers concluded.
Researchers have yet to find out whether babies have the same effect as their parents' recorded voices.
In addition, there is no certainty that Mozart will work as a painkiller for adults.
Earlier, scientists at New York University have proved that listening to music, drinking coffee and other everyday pleasures are good for the brain.
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The study used a sample of 100 newborns and had them listen to Mozart's music while undergoing a medical procedure, and found that the music reduced their pain and distress.

The study suggested that music can be used as a simple and effective tool for pain management in newborns.

In terms of the specific music that is most effective, research suggests that Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major is one of the most effective pieces for improving cognitive performance.

The sonata is characterized by its complex and intricate melodies, which may stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function.

Overall, the research suggests that the Mozart Effect is a real phenomenon, but its effects are complex and depend on a variety of factors, including the type of music, the individual's cognitive abilities, and the context in which the music is listened to.

More research is needed to fully understand the effects of Mozart's music on cognitive performance and to determine the specific mechanisms by which it affects the brain.

The use of music as a tool for improving cognitive performance and managing pain is a promising area of research, and further studies are needed to explore its potential benefits.

In conclusion, the Mozart Effect is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on cognitive performance.

The existing research suggests that listening to Mozart's music, particularly his Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, can have a positive effect on cognitive performance, especially in spatial reasoning tasks.

However, the effects of the music are highly dependent on the individual and the context in which it is listened to, and more research is needed to determine the specific mechanisms by which it affects the brain.


Cats were highly valued in ancient Egypt due to their spiritual connections and the important role they played in the culture.

The Egyptians believed that cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, who symbolized benevolence, fertility, and motherhood.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals and were often mummified and buried with their owners.

The Egyptians' love for cats was so great that they would even shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning when a family cat died.

This practice was a testament to the strong bond between cats and their owners in ancient Egyptian society.

The worship of cats in ancient Egypt was also reflected in their art and literature, with many depictions of cats in various forms of media.

In addition to their spiritual significance, cats were also valued for their ability to hunt rodents and other small animals, which helped to protect the grain stores and prevent the spread of diseases.

The ancient Egyptians' reverence for cats was so profound that they even had a festival dedicated to the worship of Bastet, which was celebrated with great fanfare and festivities.

Overall, the importance of cats in ancient Egyptian culture cannot be overstated, and their legacy continues to be felt to this day.

Cats were highly valued in ancient Egypt due to their spiritual connections and the important role they played in the culture.

The Egyptians believed that cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, who symbolized benevolence, fertility, and motherhood.

Title:

Content: The mummy of a pet: why and why did the ancient Egyptians do this?
1: 43
The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, their love was so great that they wanted these animals to have eternal life.
After death, pets were mummified and went through a complex burial process.
In ancient Egyptian worldview, four-legged and feathered creatures were considered sacred, divine and influencing their destinies.
They occupied an honorable place in the pantheon, and the gods were often depicted with animal heads.
Mummification was an integral part of this religious practice, emphasizing the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians.
The Egyptians mummified various animals, believing that their gods could take different forms.
For example, the goddess Bast, the daughter of Ra, was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat ’ s head.
This goddess symbolized well-being, joy, love and fertility.
The Egyptians especially revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.
Cats have also earned the nickname “sunny eye ” due to their ability to see in the dark.
This property made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Archaeological studies conducted at the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa have uncovered the burial of crocodiles, one of which has been preserved in the form of a practically whole mummy, providing a unique look at the ancient rites and veneration of animals in this culture.
Author Petr Deryabin
Petr Deryabin – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

In ancient Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals and were often mummified and buried with their owners.

The Egyptians' love for cats was so great that they would even shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning when a family cat died.

This practice was a testament to the strong bond between cats and their owners in ancient Egyptian society.

The worship of cats in ancient Egypt was also reflected in their art and literature, with many depictions of cats in various forms of media.

In addition to their spiritual significance, cats were also valued for their ability to hunt rodents and other small animals, which helped to protect the grain stores and prevent the spread of diseases.

The ancient Egyptians' reverence for cats was so profound that they even had a festival dedicated to the worship of Bastet, which was celebrated with great fanfare and festivities.

Title:

Content: Museum organizes events for visitors to see pet cats
July 29, 2024 07: 15
Eastern Network Television
More News Clips
Visitors lined up at the entrance of the Shanghai Museum with their pet cats.
The Shanghai Museum recently held the "Top of the Pyramids: Ancient Egyptian Civilization Exhibition", in which the People's Square Museum opened on Saturday (27th), the "Museum Curious Night" held on Saturdays, a series of nine shows.
At the first event, about 200 spectators and cute pet cats gathered at the venue to watch the exhibition.
Before the launch, many visitors with pet cats were waiting in line at the entrance of the Shanghai Museum, and about 200 cats were dressed up to attend, attracting many passers-by to stop and take photos.
Among them, the hairless cat held by Ms. Huo attracted the attention of many passersby.
She said that in order to prepare for the exhibition, she specially took the cat downstairs for a walk two days before the event began to help the cat adapt to the multi-person environment.
Visitors can take photos with their pets in the Cat Temple area in the exhibition hall, and can also experience items such as "Giant Cat Sculpture Photo" and "Cat Claw Interactive Message".
In ancient Egyptian civilization, the mythical goddess of the cat's head, Bastard, was a symbol of conservation and spirituality, which matched the love of cats today.

Overall, the importance of cats in ancient Egyptian culture cannot be overstated, and their legacy continues to be felt to this day.


The ancient Egyptians had a profound reverence for cats, which is evident in their spiritual connections to these animals.

This reverence was so deep-seated that cats were considered sacred animals, associated with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted as a woman with the head of a cat.

The Egyptians believed that cats possessed a special sacred gift, which enabled them to protect homes and their inhabitants from unfavorable energies.

In Egyptian mythology, cats were seen as guardians of the household and were often mummified and buried with their owners to ensure their protection in the afterlife.

The importance of cats in ancient Egyptian culture is also reflected in the fact that they were often depicted in art and literature as symbols of royalty and divinity.

When a family cat died, the Egyptians would shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning, demonstrating the significant emotional bond they had with these animals.

This practice was not only a sign of respect but also a way of showing grief and loss, highlighting the cat's importance in the family.

The Egyptians' love and admiration for cats were so great that they wanted to ensure their cats had an eternal life, and therefore, they would mummify them after death.

The mummification process was a complex and elaborate ritual, which involved preserving the cat's body to ensure its survival in the afterlife.

In addition to their spiritual significance, cats also played a practical role in ancient Egyptian society, helping to control the population of rodents and other pests.

The Egyptians' appreciation for cats is also evident in their architecture, with many temples and homes featuring cat-shaped decorations and motifs.

The worship of cats in ancient Egypt was not limited to the goddess Bastet, but also extended to other deities, such as the sun god Ra, who was often depicted with the head of a cat.

The Egyptians believed that cats had the power to see into the spirit world and could predict the future, which further solidified their importance in ancient Egyptian culture.

The significance of cats in ancient Egyptian society is also reflected in the fact that they were often given as gifts to royalty and other high-ranking officials.

In terms of their spiritual connections to cats, the Egyptians believed that these animals had a special role to play in the afterlife, helping to guide the deceased through the underworld.

The Egyptians' reverence for cats was so great that they would often go to great lengths to ensure their cats were well cared for, even in death.

The practice of mummifying cats was not only a way of preserving their bodies but also a way of ensuring their spirits could continue to roam free.

The ancient Egyptians' love and admiration for cats are a testament to the special bond that exists between humans and animals.

The significance of cats in ancient Egyptian culture is a fascinating topic that continues to captivate historians and animal lovers alike.

In conclusion, the ancient Egyptians' high valuation of cats was due to their spiritual connections to these animals, as well as their practical role in society.

The Egyptians' reverence for cats is evident in their art, literature, architecture, and religious practices, demonstrating the significant importance of these animals in ancient Egyptian culture.

The ancient Egyptians had a profound reverence for cats, which is evident in their spiritual connections to these animals.

This reverence was so deep-seated that cats were considered sacred animals, associated with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted as a woman with the head of a cat.

Title:

Content: As before, cats were used to ward off evil spirits: try it yourself
Where did the idea that cats ward off evil spirits come from?
1: 39
Since ancient times, cats have been famous for their mystery and special abilities.
In the world of folklore and legends, they often act as protectors against evil spirits and evil forces.
In antiquity and the Middle Ages it was believed that cats have a special sacred gift that helps them protect their homes and their owners from unfavorable energies.
In Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet.
They were depicted as defenders of the home, as well as patrons of the family.
In medieval Europe, cats were often associated with magic and witchcraft, leading to their persecution during the Inquisition.
However, among the peoples of Scandinavia and Great Britain, cats were often seen as a symbol of protection from evil spirits.
In Scandinavian mythology, cats were considered companions of warriors and guides of souls of the dead on Asgard.
They were also supposed to be able to see hidden worlds and predict the future.
In the English folklore tradition, the black cat was considered a symbol of good luck and protection from evil spirits.
In medieval England, it was even believed that the owners of black cats have a special charm and protection from misfortune.
In Scotland, it was believed that if a black cat visits a house, it brings good luck and well-being to the family.
Traditions and legends about the protective power of cats are preserved in the modern world.
Many people still consider their furry friends not only faithful companions, but also mystical guardians, able to scare away evil spirits and bring harmony to the house.
Author Ilya Panferov
Ilya Panferov — freelance correspondent of Pravda.Ru

The Egyptians believed that cats possessed a special sacred gift, which enabled them to protect homes and their inhabitants from unfavorable energies.

In Egyptian mythology, cats were seen as guardians of the household and were often mummified and buried with their owners to ensure their protection in the afterlife.

Title:

Content: The mummy of a pet: why and why did the ancient Egyptians do this?
1: 43
The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, their love was so great that they wanted these animals to have eternal life.
After death, pets were mummified and went through a complex burial process.
In ancient Egyptian worldview, four-legged and feathered creatures were considered sacred, divine and influencing their destinies.
They occupied an honorable place in the pantheon, and the gods were often depicted with animal heads.
Mummification was an integral part of this religious practice, emphasizing the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians.
The Egyptians mummified various animals, believing that their gods could take different forms.
For example, the goddess Bast, the daughter of Ra, was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat ’ s head.
This goddess symbolized well-being, joy, love and fertility.
The Egyptians especially revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.
Cats have also earned the nickname “sunny eye ” due to their ability to see in the dark.
This property made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Archaeological studies conducted at the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa have uncovered the burial of crocodiles, one of which has been preserved in the form of a practically whole mummy, providing a unique look at the ancient rites and veneration of animals in this culture.
Author Petr Deryabin
Petr Deryabin – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

The importance of cats in ancient Egyptian culture is also reflected in the fact that they were often depicted in art and literature as symbols of royalty and divinity.

When a family cat died, the Egyptians would shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning, demonstrating the significant emotional bond they had with these animals.

This practice was not only a sign of respect but also a way of showing grief and loss, highlighting the cat's importance in the family.

The Egyptians' love and admiration for cats were so great that they wanted to ensure their cats had an eternal life, and therefore, they would mummify them after death.

The mummification process was a complex and elaborate ritual, which involved preserving the cat's body to ensure its survival in the afterlife.

In addition to their spiritual significance, cats also played a practical role in ancient Egyptian society, helping to control the population of rodents and other pests.

The Egyptians' appreciation for cats is also evident in their architecture, with many temples and homes featuring cat-shaped decorations and motifs.

The worship of cats in ancient Egypt was not limited to the goddess Bastet, but also extended to other deities, such as the sun god Ra, who was often depicted with the head of a cat.

The Egyptians believed that cats had the power to see into the spirit world and could predict the future, which further solidified their importance in ancient Egyptian culture.

The significance of cats in ancient Egyptian society is also reflected in the fact that they were often given as gifts to royalty and other high-ranking officials.

In terms of their spiritual connections to cats, the Egyptians believed that these animals had a special role to play in the afterlife, helping to guide the deceased through the underworld.

The Egyptians' reverence for cats was so great that they would often go to great lengths to ensure their cats were well cared for, even in death.

The practice of mummifying cats was not only a way of preserving their bodies but also a way of ensuring their spirits could continue to roam free.

The ancient Egyptians' love and admiration for cats are a testament to the special bond that exists between humans and animals.

The significance of cats in ancient Egyptian culture is a fascinating topic that continues to captivate historians and animal lovers alike.

In conclusion, the ancient Egyptians' high valuation of cats was due to their spiritual connections to these animals, as well as their practical role in society.

The Egyptians' reverence for cats is evident in their art, literature, architecture, and religious practices, demonstrating the significant importance of these animals in ancient Egyptian culture.


The rise of non-traditional yoga practices that fuse traditional movements with novel or entertaining elements has been a significant trend in recent years.

These trends, such as animal-assisted or themed yoga, have gained popularity and are perceived as effective and enjoyable ways to practice yoga.

According to a study, 72% of yoga participants are women, but the trend is changing, and yoga is becoming more popular among men as well.

Non-traditional yoga practices, such as Animal Flow, have been shown to be effective in improving flexibility, strength, and overall physical fitness.

However, some experts argue that these practices may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions or injuries, and that traditional yoga approaches may be more effective in some cases.

Despite this, many people find non-traditional yoga practices to be more engaging and fun, which can lead to increased motivation and adherence to a yoga practice.

In terms of health benefits, yoga has been shown to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and overall physical fitness, as well as reduce stress and improve mental health.

Some studies have also found that yoga can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving sleep quality.

Overall, while traditional yoga approaches are still widely practiced and respected, non-traditional yoga practices are becoming increasingly popular and are perceived as effective and enjoyable ways to practice yoga.

The rise of non-traditional yoga practices that fuse traditional movements with novel or entertaining elements has been a significant trend in recent years.

These trends, such as animal-assisted or themed yoga, have gained popularity and are perceived as effective and enjoyable ways to practice yoga.

Title:

Content: Thorpe Bay in Essex is the home of yoga with a twist. Pawsz and Tails Yoga combines zen with something probably a little less calm: puppies and kittens everywhere. The Southend based yoga classes have combined all of your favourite things so you can leave feeling warm and fuzzy.

At £30 for an hour session, you can combine a half an hour class with a full hour of silliness with an army of fluff. Pawz and Tails writes on their website: “If you love animals and would like to cuddle and play with them for an hour incorporating a half hour beginner yoga class then book your class now”. The popular classes are booked up far in advance, with only a handful of classes left in the upcoming months.

They add: “We provide a calm and safe atmosphere for our furry companions. Our puppies are free to roam around during the hour to play, sleep and enjoy the attention they receive from humans. Our classes are there to create playtime and socialisation before they go to their forever home.

READ MORE: RSPCA rescue Spaniel puppy 'dumped in a box with his dying brother' on Essex roadside

READ MORE:Pebbles the instantly recognisable 'campus cat' at the University of Essex who now has his own statue

“We have the highest safety standards and you can enjoy our classes knowing that we only work with reputable breeders who have the highest standards of care, we also donate to rescue charities each month.

Classes are for beginners aged 14 and over and aim to create a stress-free environment. A fully qualified yoga teacher will work with you through mainly floor postures, so you’re on a level with the puppies and kittens. Cuddles are optional.

Time spent with a fluffy companion has been proven to have a massive impact on mental health, with 37% of people saying that their pets help them with their lives, according to a Blue Cross study. Just being around animals can have a positive impact on our mental health.

At Pawz and Tails, their classes “provide a haven of pure uplifting bliss, interacting with baby animals is extremely heart warming and you will leave us with a big smile on your face. It's also a fun time for our furry companions, who love to play and be cuddled”.

The animals brought in for the yoga classes are brought from responsible breeders who are looking to socialise the little ones, and Pawz and Tails donate to rescue charities every month.

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According to a study, 72% of yoga participants are women, but the trend is changing, and yoga is becoming more popular among men as well.

Title:

Content: 6 myths about yoga: dispel and start practicing
28 September 2021, 16: 47
Read news in ukrainian
Source:
Everyday Health
Yoga is not only about physical exertion, but also about relieving stress and peace.
Regular classes will help to get in shape, improve mood and give a lot of energy.
Yoga Alliance says that yoga is suitable for many and is a universal occupation.
It will help relieve pain, give strength and flexibility, relieve stress, improve breathing, the cardiovascular system, help lose weight and promote better circulation.
If you still doubted about this way of recovery and rest, we will dispel them in our material.
What danger lies in wait for children in the sandbox
6 myths about yoga
I'm not flexible.
Often, professional yogis on social networks demonstrate the incredible flexibility of their body in various exercises.
This raises doubts about whether it is suitable for those who do not consider themselves flexible at all and have never heard of stretching.
In fact, yoga begins with light exercises that everyone is able to repeat.
Over time, they can become more difficult, and you will develop.
In addition, exercises can be replaced if some can not be repeated.
You don ’ t have to be flexible to practice yoga / Photo Unsplash
My back hurts.
Pain should not interfere with you both at work and during yoga classes.
That is why there are many different practices for almost every medical condition.
If you are worried about some disease, consult your doctor before signing up for classes, and do not forget to warn the coach so that he can choose individual exercises for you.
For example, if you have glaucoma (a disease that damages the optic nerves of the eyes), you need to avoid lowering your head below the heart, which means that you will have to change certain poses.
– explains Samantha Parker, a physiologist and certified yoga instructor.
It may be against my religious beliefs.
You can focus only on exercises / Photo Unsplash
Yoga is often associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, but it does not require certain religious beliefs and can be practiced by everyone.
It only propagates the idea of peace and purpose, which some people identify with spirituality.
If this is not very close to you, you can find appropriate classes where instructors focus exclusively on physical aspects.
Yoga for women
According to the 2016 Yoga in America study, 72% of participants were women and 28% were men.
However, this trend is changing every year.
Yoga is a universal practice that helps everyone to improve joint mobility, range of motion and overall physical fitness.
In addition, it contributes to good posture, control of muscles and tendons.
Yoga is suitable for women and men / Photo Unsplash
Yoga is just a stretch.
Yoga is often about the emphasis on flexibility, because it involves a lot of stretch marks.
However, along with mobility, you build muscle and stamina.
The study, published in the journal Research Complementary and Alternative Medicine, described that a 12-week yoga program improved not only flexibility, but also cardiovascular, muscle strength, and endurance in adults.
Why you can not lose weight: nutritionists called 5 common mistakes
I don 't have time
Even short classes will improve well-being / Photo Unsplash
You have time, you just spend it doing other things,
This is Samantha Parker.
Yoga does not require a specific time to practice.
You can choose the duration and load on your own.
Long classes will bring more benefits, but even short practices will help relieve excessive tension and give a good mood.

Non-traditional yoga practices, such as Animal Flow, have been shown to be effective in improving flexibility, strength, and overall physical fitness.

Title:

Content: What streets will be closed in Moscow on July 9-10
Moscow 24
Sport
09: 01
Home / Stories /
Fitness expert told who can benefit from training in the style of Animal Flow
Fluttering like a butterfly: how effective is Animal Flow training
Moscow 24 columnist and TV presenter Eduard Kanevsky told about a new direction in fitness, copying the movement of animals, Animal Flow.
Photo: depositphotos / baranq
The modern fitness industry does not cease to offer its customers more and more new directions of training.
Many position them as something unique, giving a truly excellent result and, of course, in a short time.
This is a normal phenomenon for the sports industry, because the consumer always needs something new.
In particular, it is necessary to diversify the training process or to save time.
Guided by a similar principle, the famous fitness trainer Michael Fitchel developed and integrated Animal Flow training into his classes.
This is a set of exercises that are aimed at copying the movements of various animals - crab, scorpion, chimpanzee and so on.
The advantage of this technique is that you work with your own body weight, and for the exercises themselves you only need a mat.
Such training can be carried out anywhere in the world, both online with a coach, and independently.
Another advantage is that each person can pick up movements for himself, depending on the level of training.
The training itself does not look easy, as it may seem from the outside.
The main principle of the program is that the change of positions is without interruption, which significantly increases the overall load on the body.
It would seem that this is a really interesting, new direction that allows you to work out all the muscles of the body, plus burn excess calories.
But is there a downside to Animal Flow?
Let's figure it out.
To begin with, calling the method unique, unfortunately, will not work.
After all, most movements are present in Pilates and yoga.
The second significant disadvantage is that many exercises require not only considerable agility and strength, but also stretching, as well as mobility in the joints.
But the older the person, the more difficult it will be for him to master this or that pose.
It's not easy here at all.
Almost every second person over the age of 25 has problems with the spine.
Therefore, when trying to take a certain "animal" position, an injury may occur.
Moreover, damage to the back, joints, tendon sprains are a frequent consequence of yoga, especially when a person tries to master asanas (poses in yoga) on their own.
Just here lies the main drawback of the Michael Fitchel technique: you can learn to engage in this direction only in the presence of a highly qualified coach.
Otherwise, both the safety of training and its effectiveness are called into question.
In fact, this applies to all fitness.
Photo: depositphotos / stockasso
Take, for example, the good old gym, which is absolutely in any club.
The number of injuries that beginners who decide to independently master the technique of performing exercises receive is simply off the scale.
Although they were sure that there was nothing easier than to squat with a barbell or make deadlift.
The same applies to the correctly selected sequence of exercises, the choice of load, as well as rest between workouts in general.
For all this, it is important to consider the goals and objectives of a particular person
Therefore, to master the new methodology Animal Flow necessarily need a coach, and also - the absence of any restrictions on health.
As far as I know, this direction has not yet been presented in Moscow, but I am sure that major network players will be happy to integrate this lesson into their clubs.
But that's not all.
You need to understand that such a system of exercises is just a variation on the topic of functional training.
These are classes that are aimed at the simultaneous development of endurance, flexibility, strength, coordination and so on.
But no such complex, except for crossfit, will not give you the opportunity, for example, to gain a good developed muscle mass.
To do this, you need not your own body weight, but an additional load in the form of weights.
So, being in the position of "crab", you do not pump up the buttocks.
The same applies to those who expect with the help of such training to lose weight by reducing body fat.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard you practice, during exercise, the body uses only sugar (glycogen) as an energy source, but not subcutaneous fat.
The necessary conditions are not created for its combustion.
Therefore, those who want to lose extra pounds will have to add aerobic training.
It is easy to conclude that there are no unique methods or even diets.
All that is associated with a good result is a complex of trainings with different types of load and correctly selected exercises.
Trying something new is always a good thing.
Just never count on a miracle, which in this case simply will not happen.
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However, some experts argue that these practices may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions or injuries, and that traditional yoga approaches may be more effective in some cases.

Despite this, many people find non-traditional yoga practices to be more engaging and fun, which can lead to increased motivation and adherence to a yoga practice.

Title:

Content: 01/8What are some yoga poses that are inspired by animals?

Yoga is more than just a physical exercise; it’s a way to connect with nature, both internally and externally. Some of the most effective and beneficial yoga poses are inspired by the animal kingdom. These poses, named after various animals, not only mimic their movements but also carry their qualities and benefits. Here are 7 yoga poses inspired by animals that can help us tap into our inner strength, flexibility, and inner strength.

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02/8Fish pose (Matsyasana)

The Fish pose, or Matsyasana, mimics the form of a fish swimming in water. This pose is known for its ability to open up the chest and throat, promoting deep breathing and relaxation. Lifting your heart towards the sky, stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands, balancing hormones and boosting metabolism.

A study published in the International Journal of Yoga found that practising Matsyasana significantly improves respiratory function and lung capacity. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with respiratory issues or those looking to enhance their breathing during meditation or physical activities.

How to do it:

1. Lie on your back with your legs extended and feet together.

2. Place your hands underneath your hips, palms down.

3. Lift your chest and arch your back, tilting your head back so the crown of your head touches the floor.

4. Hold for a few breaths, then slowly release.

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03/8Cobra pose (Bhujangasana)

Cobra pose, or Bhujangasana, copies the poised and powerful cobra ready to strike. This pose is excellent for strengthening the spine and opening the chest, enhancing flexibility and alleviating stress.

Research conducted by the Journal of Physical Therapy Science demonstrated that Bhujangasana significantly reduces lower back pain and improves spinal alignment. The pose stimulates the digestive organs, aiding in digestion and reducing bloating.

How to practice

1. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders.

2. Press into your hands to lift your chest off the ground, keeping your elbows close to your body.

3. Look up slightly, keeping your neck long.

4. Hold for a few breaths before lowering back down.

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04/8Cow Face pose (Gomukhasana)

Gomukhasana, or Cow Face pose, takes its name from the serene and sacred cow, a symbol of calmness and gentleness in many cultures. This pose is particularly effective for stretching the hips, thighs, and shoulders, helping to alleviate stiffness and improve flexibility.

According to a study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, regular practice of Gomukhasana helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by promoting physical relaxation and mental calmness.

How to practice

1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended.

2. Cross your right leg over your left, stacking your knees.

3. Reach your right arm behind your back and your left arm over your shoulder, clasping your hands.

4. Hold for a few breaths and then switch sides.

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05/8Downward-Facing Dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Downward-Facing Dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana, is one of the most recognisable yoga poses, imitating a dog stretching its body. This pose is excellent for stretching the hamstrings, calves, and spine while also strengthening the arms and legs.

A study published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation revealed that practising Downward-Facing Dog can enhance overall flexibility and improve blood circulation, which is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health.

How to practice

1. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips.

2. Lift your hips towards the ceiling, straightening your legs and creating an inverted V shape.

3. Press your heels towards the floor and hold for a few breaths.

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06/8Butterfly pose (Badhakonasana)

The Butterfly Pose, or Badhakonasana, is inspired by the gentle and graceful butterfly. This pose is excellent for opening the hips and groin area, which can help improve flexibility and relieve tension.

Research in the Indian Journal of Medical Research indicates that Badhakonasana can aid in improving posture and reducing discomfort related to menstrual cycles. It’s also beneficial for stretching the inner thighs and promoting a sense of relaxation.

How to do it:

1. Sit on the floor and bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to fall out to the sides.

2. Hold your feet with your hands and gently press your knees towards the floor.

3. Hold for a few breaths, feeling a stretch in your inner thighs.

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07/8Cat stretch (Marjariasana)

Marjariasana, or Cat stretch, mimics the fluid and flexible movements of a cat. This pose is great for enhancing spinal flexibility and relieving tension in the back.

The Cat Stretch can help alleviate back pain and improve overall spinal health by encouraging gentle movement and stretching.

How to practice

1. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips.

2. Arch your back towards the ceiling, tucking your chin to your chest.

3. Then, drop your belly towards the floor, lifting your head and tailbone.

4. Continue to flow between these two positions for a few breaths.

(Images: Canva)

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08/8Dolphin Plank pose (Makara Adho Mukha Svanasana)

This pose channels the sleek and powerful dolphin. This pose is a fantastic core strengthener, engaging the abdominal muscles and building endurance.

A study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research shows that poses like Dolphin Plank can significantly improve core stability and strength, which is vital for overall body balance and injury prevention.

How to practice

1. Start in a forearm plank position, with your elbows under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.

2. Engage your core and hold for a few breaths, keeping your body stable and strong.

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In terms of health benefits, yoga has been shown to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and overall physical fitness, as well as reduce stress and improve mental health.

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Some studies have also found that yoga can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving sleep quality.

Overall, while traditional yoga approaches are still widely practiced and respected, non-traditional yoga practices are becoming increasingly popular and are perceived as effective and enjoyable ways to practice yoga.