Date of Award

January 2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology & Public Health Education

First Advisor

James Whitehead

Abstract

The effects of resistance training on females’ self-perception. Introduction: It is generally accepted that exercise enhances physical self-perceptions, but the impact of resistance training programs on females’ self-perceptions is unclear. Because exercise is an important public health behavior, and because physical self-perceptions have motivational implications, this study has potential to add knowledge that is relevant to exercise promotion. Purpose: The primary aim of the study was to explore the effect of two different types of resistance training programs on physical self-perceptions of college age females. Methods: Participants (n=30) were randomized to muscular strength, muscular endurance resistance training groups or a comparison group. Experimental resistance training groups followed a progressive resistance training program which consisted of three, one hour sessions per week for nine weeks. Participants completed the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) pre and post study to investigate the effects of physical self-perceptions after resistance training. Height, weight, skin folds and circumference measurements were taken pre- and post-test. Results: Results showed a significant difference between groups on sum of skinfolds (p =0.013). The pairwise comparison indicates that strength was different from endurance (p =0.013). PSPP differences were only indicated for the physical condition subscale (p =0.004). Strength competence subscale (p = 0.015) and the attractive body adequacy subscale (p = 0.018) were trending and may be practically significant. Discussion: Resistance training improved females’ physical self-perception. The post hoc comparisons indicate that only the strength group was different from the comparison and no differences existed between endurance and either group.

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