Advisory Committee Chair
Fred Biasini
Advisory Committee Members
Paula C Chandler-Laney
Gary Hunter
Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2013
Degree Name by School
Master of Arts (MA) College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Objectives: Exercise training by older adults has demonstrated many health benefits, including improved cognition and psychological well-being. The optimal frequency of combined aerobic exercise training (AET) and resistance exercise training (RET) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine whether exercise improves body image, esteem, depression, and mood, among older women, and whether improvements differ by frequency of exercise. Methods: Post-menopausal women (N = 64) over the age of 60 (64.79 ± 3.74) were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Group 1 completed two exercise sessions (1 AET, 1 RET) per week, Group 2 completed four sessions (2 AET, 2 RET) per week, and Group 3 completed 6 sessions (3 AET, 3 RET) per week. Body image, esteem, depression, and mood were assessed by survey at pre- and 16-weeks post-training. Results: Results from repeated-measures ANOVA showed that perceptions of appearance, weight, body satisfaction, weight-related anxiety, and valuation of fitness improved with training. Self-esteem and depression did not significantly change. Exercise frequency did not affect results. Discussion: Results suggest 16 weeks of combined AET/ RET improves perceptions of appearance and body satisfaction in older women, but there is no advantage to more, versus fewer, training sessions each week.
Recommended Citation
Neumeier, William, "Frequency of Exercise Training's Effect on Psychological Outcomes in Older Women" (2013). All ETDs from UAB. 2575.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/2575
