Assessing Psychological Responses To An 8-week Resistance Training Intervention In Middle-aged Women

OBJECTIVES: Compare effects of a standard resistance training program to TONAL on trait and state feelings of energy and fatigue, mental health, and exercise enjoyment. DESIGN: Untrained females (n = 38; age = 54.2 ± 5.9 yrs; %body fat = 36.5 ± 7.3%) matched for age, menopausal status, and initial strength scores were randomized to selectorized equipment group (TYPICAL) or TONAL. Participants trained for 8 weeks, 3 days/week, and completed assessments at pre and post. Workouts were matched for volume and muscle groups targeted. METHODS: Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis and physical activity (PA) levels via accelerometry. Health related quality of life was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF-36), while mood was assessed via Profile of Mood States short form (POMS). Feelings of physical and mental energy and fatigue were assessed using the Trait (pre-post program) and State (pre-post session) Mental and Physical Energy and Fatigue Scale, alongside the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Two-way mixed factorial ANOVAs with repeated measures for time examined differences within and between groups. To explore the effects of resistance training collapsed across intervention groups, independent samples t-test were computed. RESULTS: No changes between or within groups in body weight, body composition (%fat or kg of lean mass), steps/day or minutes of moderate to vigorous PA, mood, trait energy and fatigue (all, p > .05) were found. Acute training increased perceived physical and mental energy from pre-to- post across 86% and 94% of workouts, respectively, (p < .05). Increases did not differ significantly across the 25 exercise sessions for physical energy or mental energy. PACES scores decreased for TYPICAL (p < .05), while TONAL maintained exercise enjoyment across 8 weeks. Adherence was high, as ~96% of all participants achieved 100% adherence. CONCLUSION: Adherence to 8-weeks resistance training program was high. Both modes of training were effective in improving acute mood states from program start to finish, with increasing feelings of energy and reducing feelings of fatigue. TONAL participants maintained their enjoyment of the program across the intervention duration while TYPICAL reported less enjoyment over the 8-week program. Supported by: Tonal Strength Institute Research Grant