LISTENING to instrumental music such as jazz while driving can reduce stress, a study has found.
The research suggests tunes without vocals ease the tension of being in heavy traffic.
Stress while driving is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, according to previous work. But suitable driving music may be one way to lower the danger.
The results would be music to the ears of Fast Show TV comedy star John Thomson’s jazz presenter character — famous for his cheesy catchphrase: “Nice!”
The international study, involving Oxford Brookes University, assessed volunteers driving at rush-hour in Brazil with and without instrumental music on a CD player.
Cardiac stress was measured using a heart rate monitor attached to their chests. Brazilian professor Vitor Engracia Valenti said: “We found cardiac stress was reduced by listening to music while driving.”
The team analysed five women who were not habitual drivers.
The study involved only females to control the influence of sex hormones, the professor added.