Concurrent Training Promotes Physical And Psychological Well-being In Women

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of concurrent training on aerobic fitness, muscular strength, psychological distress, and psychological well-being in women. METHODS: Twenty-nine women participated in a 10-week exercise program, combining sprint interval training (SIT) and resistance training (RT). The program was well-designed, approved by the IRB, and followed ethical guidelines. Pre and post-tests measured aerobic fitness, lower and upper body strength, and dietary intake. Psychological assessments included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SEMWBS), and Emotional Distress Scale of Anxiety, Depression, and Anger (ED-ADA). After pre-testing, participants completed familiarization sessions and 10 weeks of training. SIT comprised two sets of three 40-second sprints with passive recovery, while RT targeted various muscle groups with alternating protocols. Each session included flexibility and core exercises. A paired sample t-test evaluated program effects (p < .05). RESULTS: A 10-week concurrent training intervention significantly improved aerobic fitness (t(27) = 5.76, p < .001), upper body strength (t(27) = 12.97, p < .001), and lower body strength (t(27) = 12.39, p < .001) in women. There was also a significant increase in the indicator of psychological well-being: subjective well-being (SEMWBS) (t(28) = 2.26, p = .03). However, the indicators of psychological distress—perceived stress (PSS) and anxiety, depression, and anger subscales of the ED-ADA—showed non-significant changes. There were no changes in overall caloric intake. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers preliminary evidence that concurrent training interventions can effectively enhance physiological variables and psychological well-being in women. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term impact on a broader range of psychological health outcomes, including quality of life, mood, and sleep. Additionally, researchers should explore the observed improvement in psychological well-being despite non-significant changes in psychological distress indicators.