Researchers in Leipzig have found that a few days at a metal music festival can increase a person's tolerance to pain. The results of the experiment were published in the journal Scientific Reports, reports the website infohub.kz.
While the benefits of calm and classical music for mental health have long been known, heavy genres, it turns out, also have their advantages. Scientists conducted a study at the annual German festival Wacken Open Air, which attracts about 80,000 metal fans.
The experiment involved 122 people. First, the scientists measured heart rate and heart rate variability using an ECG. Then participants immersed their hand and forearm in a container of ice water, trying to keep their hand in as long as possible.
Comparing the results of those who took the test before the concerts began with those who had already been at the festival for several days, the researchers found that festival attendees were able to keep their hand in the ice water on average longer than the control group. However, they did not report that the pain was less unpleasant or weaker—they were simply able to endure it longer.
This association was most noticeable among participants who drank little or no alcohol on the day of the experiment. Alcohol can distort results by affecting pain sensitivity.
The authors of the study suggest that accepting unpleasant sensations and emotions, rather than trying to immediately get rid of them, may play an important role. This is linked to resilience to stress and pain. If larger experiments confirm the findings, this approach could be used to prevent chronic pain in people who experience anger due to their pain.