Effect of a 12-week Resistance-exercise Training Program on the Physical Self-perceptions of Children

Abstract

Resistance-exercise training improves self-concept in adolescents and adults, while middle childhood (8-10 year) remains understudied. The purpose was to analyze if physical self-perceptions would change following 12-week of resistance exercise. Boys (n = 11, 9.0 ± 0.9 year) and girls (n = 13, 9.3 ± 0.7 year) were randomly assigned by sex into control (CON, n = 12) or experimental (EXP, n = 12) groups. Week 1 pre-testing consisted of the Physical Self-Perception Profile for Children (C-PSPP), which contains 6 subscales: Global General Self-Worth (GSW), Global Physical Self-Worth (PSW), Perceived Sport Competence (SPORT), Perceived Bodily Attractiveness (BODY), Perceived Physical Strength (STRENGTH), Perceived Level Of Physical Conditioning (CONDITION). After familiarization, the EXP received 12-week of resistance exercise 2 days/week. Each exercise session consisted of: 5-min warm up, 5-min static stretching, 25-min resistance exercise, 5-min cool down, and 5-min static stretching. C-PSPP post-testing occurred after completion of the training program. A 2 x 2 repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance was used. Bonferroni pairwise post hoc analyses examined differences in the C-PSPP subscales. Alpha level was p 0.05). A C-PSPP post-test interaction (p = 0.037) existed between CON and EXP. Post hoc analyses showed gains (p < 0.05) for EXP in all subscales. Only SPORT improved for the CON group (p = 0.02). Regular resistance exercise improved all subscale scores, not just STRENGTH, in the EXP. Children who participate in resistance-exercise training display enhanced physical self-perceptions, and may have an increased awareness of their own levels of physical conditioning and strength.