According to a recent study published in Current Biology scientist say that on average songs with deep bass makes humans dance 11.8% more than a song without. The test was done using VLF(very low frequencies) and playing them back, off and on, to test subjects. This range of frequencies sits around 15-30 Hz compared to sub bass frequencies sitting at 30-60 Hz.
VLF test details
‘Undetectable very-low frequency sound increases dancing at a live concert’, the test done to discover this research recruited Orphx, a deep bass music duo to play a concert. At this concert, subjects who agreed, wore head bands that tracked their motion over the experiment time.
Testers turned on VLF speakers (8-37Hz) on and off every 2.5 minutes over a 55 minute time span of the concert. Additionally, test subjects took pre- and post-concert questionnaires regarding the test. The post-concert questionnaires include additional information about bodily sensations and if the bass gave the individual more urge the dance. After reading results, scientist say participants move on average 11.8% more when the VLF speakers were on.
Additional testing
After the original test, testers asked 17 new participants to participate in additional testing. The reasoning of this second test is to solidify the data received from the first. This new test consisted of asking the test subjects to listen back to the concert audio and without knowing before hand, tell the testers which playback has the VLFs playing.
Only about 50% of the participants got the answer correct. This made scientist agree on a result showing humans could not detect the presence/absence of VLFs. That would mean the VLFs make us dance more subconsciously without being aware.
Conclusion
If you have ever been to a concert that uses speakers that produce VLFs, you have might of experience this insane phenomenon. After reading this, even if you can’t tell or not if VLFs are effecting your dance routine, now you know it is possible. Now matter the science, keep dancing!