Impact of strength training of large muscle groups on quality of life

Muscle-strengthening activities reduce the risk of various diseases and promote overall health. Physical activities targeting large muscle groups, such as weightlifting or resistance exercises, provide an additional health benefit. The present study investigated the relationship between strength training and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through a cross-sectional study of 50 adults participating in large muscle group strengthening activities (LMG) and 50 adults who did not (NLMG). HRQOL was assessed using the SF-12v2 questionnaire, and sleep habits were assessed using the PSQI questionnaire. The LMG group had a significantly higher Role/Social component summary (RCS) score than the NLMG group (50.5 ± 7.2 vs 47.2 ± 8.3; respectively, p = 0.040). The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores also tended to be higher in the LMG group than in the NLMG group (52.6 ± 8.4 vs 49.9 ± 10.2, respectively; p = 0.15 and 59.0 ± 7.9 vs 56.7 ± 6.0, respectively; p = 0.10). Linear regression analysis showed that a higher RCS score was significantly associated with LMG training, whereas higher PCS and MCS scores were associated with better sleep quality. These results suggest that strength training targeting large muscle groups may improve the social aspect of HRQOL, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating such exercises into regular physical activity regimens.