The Effects Of Aerobic, Resistance, And Combination Training On Satisfaction With Physical Function And Appearance

Abstract

PURPOSE To determine the effects of aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), and combination training (AT/RT) on personal satisfaction with physical function (SPF) and appearance (SPA). We also examined the sex-specific relationships between objective measures of body habitus and cardiorespiratory fitness with changes in these satisfaction scores. METHODS Participants (n=130 from the STRRIDE AT/RT randomized trial) completed one of four 8-month exercise programs: 1) AT: 14 kcal exercise expenditure per kg per week (KKW) at 75% VO2peak; 2) RT: 3 days per week, 8 exercises, 3 sets per exercise, 8-12 repetitions per set; 3) AT/RT: full combination of the AT and RT programs; 4) AT-High Amount (AT-H): 21 KKW at 75% VO2peak. The Satisfaction with Physical Function and Appearance Questionnaire [7-point integer scale ranging from -3 (very dissatisfied) to +3 (very satisfied)] was administered at baseline and post-intervention. We also assessed measures of body habitus (weight, lean and fat mass, and minimal waist and hip circumferences) and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak). Paired t-tests determined post- minus pre-intervention change score significance within training groups (p<0.05). Sex-specific correlations examined the relationship between changes in SPF and SPA with changes in body habitus and fitness. RESULTS After 8 months of training, all groups significantly improved their SPF scores, ranging from 1.8 (AT) to 2.8 points (AT-H), and their SPA scores, ranging from 0.8 (RT) to 2.4 points (AT-H). Change in SPF was significantly correlated with change in fat mass (r = -0.34) in women and change in VO2peak (r = 0.29) in men. Change in SPA was significantly correlated with change in fat mass (r = -0.39), waist circumference (r = -0.25), and weight (r = -0.30) in women and change in hip circumference (r = -0.28), weight (r = -0.32), and lean mass (r = -0.45) in men. CONCLUSIONS On average, all of the STRRIDE AT/RT training groups improved their self-reported satisfaction with physical function and appearance. We observed sex-specific differences in the relationships between changes in SPF and SPA with changes in body habitus and fitness. These correlative results can help inform future research targeting the mediating effects of exercise on self-perception of body image and function.