Affective Responses to Barbell-Based Resistance Training in a 16-Week Barbell-Based Strength Training Program for...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Low adherence to resistance training (RT) guidelines (31% of US adults) is a public health concern, particularly among women.
• While RT's physical benefits are known, psychological factors influencing adherence require further investigation.
• Understanding affective responses (enjoyment, energy) is crucial for improving RT participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the interplay between self-efficacy, motivation, and affective responses in RT.
• To examine how these psychological variables relate to adherence in a 16-week barbell-based RT program.
• To identify specific exercise types and loads associated with positive affective outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective longitudinal study of 43 adults (81.8% female, mean age 45.09) in a community RT program.
• Measurement of affective responses pre/post-training, during sessions, and over time.
• Statistical analyses included repeated-measures ANOVA and correlational analyses.

Main Results:

• Participants showed significant improvements in positive affective responses throughout the RT program.
• Higher self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation correlated with greater affective responses and adherence.
• Strength exercises and heavier relative loads yielded more positive affective outcomes than power exercises.

Conclusions:

• Psychological factors, including self-efficacy and motivation, are vital mediators of affective responses to RT.
• Positive affective experiences are linked to increased adherence to resistance training.
• Tailoring RT programs to enhance positive emotions may improve participation rates.