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Strength Training Improves Body Image and Physical Activity Behaviors Among Midlife and Older Rural Women
Rebecca A Seguin1, Galen Eldridge2, Wesley Lynch3
1Assistant Professor, Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Ithaca, New York.
Journal of Extension
|March 14, 2015
Summary
The Strong Women Program
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Exercise Science
- Focuses on the intersection of aging, physical activity, and psychological well-being.
Background:
- Body image is an understudied aspect of aging and physical activity.
- Older rural women are an underserved demographic with potential benefits from exercise interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a strength-training program on body image and psychosocial variables in older rural women.
- To assess changes in health-related quality of life and physical activity behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A 10-week, twice-weekly strength-training program (Strong Women Program) was implemented.
- 341 older rural women (mean age 62 years) participated.
- Paired-sample t-tests analyzed pre- and post-program data.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in multiple dimensions of body image.
- Health-related quality of life showed significant positive changes.
- Physical activity behaviors, satisfaction, and comfort levels increased significantly.
Conclusions:
- Strength training positively impacts body image and psychosocial well-being in older rural women.
- The Strong Women Program demonstrates efficacy for this demographic.
- Interventions promoting strength training are beneficial for aging women's health.
