Terry et al. 2020, Effects of music in exercise and sport, a meta-analysis

Meta-analysis of 139 studies (3,599 participants). Music produced a small but reliable benefit to physical performance (about 0.31), reduced perceived exertion modestly (0.22) and, most strongly, improved how the effort felt (affective valence, 0.48); the effect on heart rate was not significant. Fast-tempo music gave larger effects. Real but small, and largely psychological rather than physiological. Moderate.