Effect of strength training on psychophysiological aspects in Paralympic powerlifting athletes: a pilot study

Abstract

PurposeThe study aim was to evaluate the maximum dynamic strength (MDS), mood levels, stress, and recovery during strength training in Paralympic powerlifting (PP).MethodsThe study involved 7 male PP athletes (41.0 ± 10.1 years; 84.7 ± 21.1 kg). MDS (one-repetition maximum [1RM] with bench press), stress/recovery (RESTQ-Sport), mood status (BRUMS), and resting heart rate (oximeter) were determined before and after a PP training mesocycle (4 weeks). The bench press training was performed with 5 sets of 5 repetitions (5 × 5) with 80–85% of 1RM in the 1<sup>st</sup> week, 5 × 3 with 85–90% of 1RM in the 2<sup>nd</sup> week, 5 × 1–3 with 90–95% of 1RM in the 3<sup>rd</sup> week, and 5 × 5 with 40–70% of 1RM in the 4<sup>th</sup> week.ResultsThere was a significant increase in MDS (<i>p</i> < 0.001; effect size [ES]: 0.50). In the RESTQ-Sport scales, lack of energy (<i>p</i> < 0.022; ES: 1.30), success (<i>p</i> < 0.035; ES: 0.33), and sleep quality (<i>p</i> < 0.007; ES: 0.62) increased. The scales of general well-being (<i>p</i> < 0.012; ES: 2.18), interval disturbances (<i>p</i> < 0.021; ES: 3.14), personal acceptance, and self-regulation (<i>p</i> < 0.006; ES: 2.21) decreased. Regarding mood, the dimensions of tension (<sup>p</sup> < 0.003; ES: 1.32), depression (<i>p</i> <; 0.001; ES: 5.00), anger (<i>p</i> <; 0.001; ES: 4.75), fatigue (<i>p</i> < 0.002; ES: 0.72), and confusion (<i>p</i> < 0.002; ES: 2.09) increased and the vigour decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.001; ES: 0.87).ConclusionsThe internal training load can be controlled by psychophysiological indicators in PP.