Four Years of Strength Training Predicts Improved Subjective Body and Self Satisfaction in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

The long-term benefits of exercise on physical health are well-known. The promotion of mental health through physical activity has been less well studied, especially in postmenopausal women. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the changes in subjective self and body satisfaction in postmenopausal women participating in a 4-year progressive strength training intervention study (Bone Estrogen Strength Training (BEST) study). METHODS: One hundred, fifty women (56.0±4.5 years): 80 randomized to a progressive strength training program (70–80% of one repetition maximum), 49 controls who crossed over to exercise after one year, and 21 non-exercising controls completed the Body and Self Cathexis, Beck Depression, and Rosenberg Self-esteem/Self-concept questionnaires at baseline and 4 years. Exercise frequency (ExFreq) was measured as the mean percent of 3 weekly weight lifting sessions attended over 4 years. RESULTS: Women in the highest tertile of ExFreq improved on average 9.5±22.7 points in the Body Cathexis Score (change from baseline; p<0.01) compared to a decreased score of 1.0±22.3 for women in the lowest tertile of ExFreq (p<0.05). In multiple linear regression, the highest level of ExFreq (=70.0±12.9% or about 2 sessions/wk) was associated with an improved total Body Cathexis Score compared to the lowest tertile of ExFreq (= 4.7±5.3%), independent of changes in Beck and Rosenberg indices (p=0.01). Although the strongest associations with the total Self Cathexis Score were found with Beck and Rosenberg scores (p<0.001), ExFreq was also marginally significantly related to the total Self Cathexis Score (p<0.10). Further, higher levels of ExFreq during the 4 year period were associated with improvement in the scores of individual Cathexis questions related to satisfaction with the body: physical stamina, muscular strength, energy level, age, health, and posture, and with the self: self-confidence, athletic skills, gracefulness, ability to discipline self, and degree of self-consciousness (p<0.001 to p<0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term strength training exercise appears to improve subjective body and self satisfaction in postmenopausal women as measured by the Cathexis questionnaire. The mental health of postmenopausal women may benefit from this form of exercise. NIH grant RO1 AR39559