Perceived psychosocial outcomes and perceived neuromuscular competence following a university strength and conditioning program in dance aerobics and sports athletes

The growing popularity of strength and conditioning (S&C) training in university sport has raised awareness of the need to gain a greater understanding of the athletes’ perception of the potential benefits of S&C training in a variety of performance areas such as dance, aerobics and competitive sports. This mixed-methods study aimed to investigate changes in athletes’ perceived performance-related outcomes, psychological well-being, gender responsiveness, training satisfaction, and lived experiences following a structured four-week strength and conditioning program. The participants completed a researcher-developed questionnaire informed by existing literature and adapted from relevant validated instruments using a Likert scale before and after a 4-week training program. The quantitative data were analysed using paired-samples t-tests, repeated-measures ANOVA, correlation analysis and regression modelling, and the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that there were statistically significant improvements in perceived neuromuscular competence, injury prevention awareness, psychological well-being, gender responsiveness, and training satisfaction after completing the program (all p < .05). These changes reflect athletes’ self-perceptions rather than objectively measured physiological, biomechanical, or performance outcomes. The qualitative findings showed the following themes: confidence and motivation, body awareness, team belongingness, discipline and accountability, and perceptions of gender inclusivity. The program was frequently mentioned as supportive of the participants’ athletic development and training involvement. The integrated results show that the participants experienced positive changes in perceived neuromuscular competence, injury prevention awareness, psychological well-being, gender responsiveness, training satisfaction, and overall training experiences after participation in the program. The findings should be taken with a pinch of salt, however, because of the single group pre–post design and the reliance on self-reported measures. The study offers practical information for coaches, educators, and sport practitioners who want to create inclusive and multidimensional training environments for university athletes.