The Effects of Resistance Training Programs on the Physical Self-Perceptions of College Females

Abstract

While it is generally accepted that exercise enhances physical self-perceptions (PSPs), the impact of resistance training programs on females’ self-perceptions is unclear. Because exercise is an important public health behavior, and because PSPs have motivational associations, research on this topic may have important implications for exercise promotion. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of two different types of resistance training programs on the PSPs of college age females. METHODS: College students with no background in resistance training (n = 20) were randomized to a muscular strength (MSTR n = 10), or a muscular endurance (MEND n = 10) resistance training group. A comparison (COM) group (n = 10) was recruited from inactive college students. The resistance training groups followed strength- or endurance-oriented progressive resistance training programs for nine weeks. Participants completed the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) pre- and post-intervention. Height, weight, skinfolds and circumference measurements were also taken pre and post. RESULTS: Analyses utilized ANCOVAs followed by Bonferroni-adjusted (p set at < .017) pairwise comparisons. The only physical change was a significant reduction in the sum of skinfolds in the MSTR group (p = 0.013). Analyses of PSPP changes showed significant effects for MSTR on the physical condition subscale (p = 0.004), and on the strength competence subscale (p = 0.015) and a near-significant effect on the attractive body adequacy subscale (p = 0.018) that may be practically significant. CONCLUSION: Strength-oriented resistance training produced improvements in some aspects of college females’ physical self-perceptions.