RESISTANCE TRAINING ALTERS PHYSICAL SELF-PERCEPTION 825

Abstract

This study examined the impact of a resistance training (RT) program on body composition (BC), resting metabolic rate (RMR), and physical self-perception in middle-aged women (age = 48.4 ± 5.5 y). BC was assessed with hydrostatic weighing. RMR was determined from expired gases. Physical self-perception was measured with the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP). Variables were measured in the treatment (T) group (n=18) prior to and following 12 weeks of RT. A control (C) group (n=15) was tested in an identical manner but no intervention was employed. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the existence of significant differences. Strength(bench press 1 repetition maximum) improved by 35.7% in the T group. Pre and post percent body fat values were similar for the C (30.4 ± 9.6 vs. 29.5 ± 9.8%) and T (32.0 ± 5.6 vs. 31.3 ± 5.8%) groups. Likewise, pre and post RMR values were similar for the C (1289 ± 196 vs. 1337 ± 224 kcal/24 h) and T (1262 ± 140 vs. 1291 ± 156 kcal/24 h) groups. Pre and post PSPP scores for the C subjects were not different. However, the T group experienced an elevation (p<0.05) in overall Physical Self-Worth (12.2 ± 3.5 vs. 13.8 ± 3.4) as well as the subdomains of Physical Strength (13.1 ± 3.5 vs. 15.2 ± 2.7) and Physical Condition (13.4 ± 4.4 vs. 14.5 ± 3.3). The duration of this RT program (12 weeks) was insufficient to evoke changes in BC and/or RMR in this group of middle-aged women. Therefore, it was concluded that changes in psychological variables are not dependent on alterations in BC and RMR. The effects of early alterations in physical self-perception on adherence to RT warrants further investigation.