2021, Volume 17
Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of combining music with martial arts: a systematic review of literature
Elżbieta Waszkiewicz1, Robert Bąk2, Artur Litwiniuk3
1Primary and Secondary State Music School, Suwalki, Poland
2College of Medical Sciences Institute of Physical Culture Studies, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszów, Poland
3Faculty of physIcal Education and Health in Biała, jozef Pilsudski University of physical Education, Warsaw, Poland
Author for correspondence: Artur Litwiniuk; Faculty of physIcal Education and Health in Biała, jozef Pilsudski University of physical Education, Warsaw, Poland; email: artur.litwiniuk@awf-bp.edu.pl
Abstract
Background and Study Aim: We assume that all prophylaxis, therapy and rehabilitation supporting human health are a some form of struggle. The purpose of this review is to knowledge about the health effects of experiments and to connect to music with exercises qualified for martial arts and combat sports.
Material and Methods: A literature search of seven databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, Teacher, Web of Science and Scopus) was conducted using different combinations of the following terms: “music – martial arts” OR “music – combat sports” OR “music – self-defence”. However, the main criterion for including the work in the analysis was the documented health effect (concerning prophylaxis and/or therapy). Additional articles from other sources were identified by examining the reference lists of the studies located via the database search. The literature search was completed in November 2020. A total of 34 articles met the final inclusion criteria.
Results: The most documented health effects of combining music with martial arts are in Brazilian capoeira. An Important 9 months pedagogical experiment conducted by Syska (2001-2002) basic on the special programme of modern gymnastic and dance (with music) forms with elements of self-defence provided evidence of reducing aggressiveness and anxiety by female students. However, there is no empirical evidence of the influence of martial arts and its music on mental health and social health. Similarly, the song Wong Fei-hung (recognized by some as a Cantonese anthem) which is continues to be used for kung fu demonstrations, continually referencing associations with martial arts, bravery and resistance to oppression.
Conclusions: A relatively large number of publications dedicated to music and martial arts provide little information on the impact of both phenomena, especially on mental and social health. The recommended methodological foundations based on language and innovative agonology methods open up wide perspectives of combining music and martial arts in a complementary way to the benefit of all dimensions of health.
Key words: combat sports, capoeira, innovative agonology, mental health, self-defence, social health