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Updated: May 25, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
6 x 40 mins exercise improves body image, even though body weight and shape do not change
1School of Psychology, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK. k.appleton@qub.ac.uk
Regular exercise significantly improves body image perception in adults, suggesting a key role in exercise adherence. Physical changes like weight or shape were not observed, highlighting the psychological benefits of physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Psychology
- Health and Fitness
Background:
- Body image is a complex construct influenced by various factors.
- Understanding the impact of physical activity on body image is crucial for public health.
- Current theories suggest body image changes are perception-mediated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of exercise versus reading on body weight, shape, and body image.
- To explore the relationship between exercise, body image, and adherence.
- To test theories on body image mediation.
Main Methods:
- 16 males and 18 females participated in the study.
- Participants underwent assessments before and after 6 sessions of exercise (40 mins each).
- Control condition involved 6 sessions of reading (40 mins each).
Main Results:
- No significant changes in body weight or shape were observed in either condition.
- Significant improvements in various aspects of body image were noted after exercise.
- No changes in body image were found after the reading intervention.
Conclusions:
- Exercise positively impacts body image, independent of changes in body weight or shape.
- Body image improvement may play a role in encouraging long-term exercise adherence.
- Findings support theories that body image is influenced by perceptions rather than solely physical indices.
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