Physical inactivity is a key risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, negatively affecting emotional well-being by increasing psychological distress and reducing mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a resistance-based physical activity program on physical and psychological outcomes in physically inactive adults.
Background/Objectives: Sedentary behavior is a prevalent risk factor contributing to the development and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Additionally, physical inactivity has been linked to diminished emotional well-being, characterized by elevated levels of psychological distress and compromised mental health. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of a resistance-focused physical activity intervention on both physical and psychological health outcomes in adults with chronically low levels of physical activity. A randomized controlled trial design was employed. The participant comprised 32 adults (mean age = 46.61 ± 7.33 years) included in the study. These individuals were randomly allocated to either a resistance exercise group (EG, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 17). Comprehensive assessments were conducted at baseline and following the 12-week intervention. These assessments included evaluations of muscle strength (knee flexors, knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, and core isometric strength), static and dynamic balance, proprioception, and functional movement capacity (as measured by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS)). Participants' psychological states were quantified using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The EG participated in a supervised resistance training program 3 days per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 55-60 minutes. Conversely, the CG did not engage in any structured exercise program and were advised to maintain their customary lifestyle habits throughout the study duration.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
32
The 12-week resistance training program consisted of three supervised sessions per week, each lasting approximately 55-60 minutes. Sessions were structured as follows: 5-7 minute dynamic warm-up, 35-40 minutes of resistance training, and 4-5 minutes of stretching for active recovery.Participants were paired based on similar strength fitness levels and progressed according to the principle of periodized progressive overload. Training was delivered using a circuit protocol with 2-3 sets per exercise. The initial 4-week phase included 2 sets per exercise, with 8-20 repetitions and 1-2 minutes rest between sets. .The program incorporated functional exercises targeting the lower extremities, core, and upper extremities, utilizing equipment such as resistance bands, medicine balls, jump ropes, dumbbells, bars, and stability balls. Participants performed exercises in a circuit sequence, with the intensity, number of sets, and repetitions
Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey,
Tekirdağ, Turkey (Türkiye)
Depression
The Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) is a widely used self-report tool designed to measure depression, anxiety, and stress levels in participants. It consists of 21 items divided into three subscales: * Depression (e.g., feelings of sadness, lack of motivation) * Anxiety (e.g., nervousness, fearfulness) * Stress (e.g., tension, irritability) Each item is scored on a 4-point Likert scale, with the following options: 1. 0 = Did not apply to me at all 2. 1 = Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time 3. 2 = Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of the time 4. 3 = Applied to me very much, or most of the time For each subscale, the scores range from 0 to 42 after adjustment.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Functional Movement Screen Test Protocol
a standardized assessment tool designed to evaluate fundamental movement patterns, identify asymmetries and weaknesses, and predict injury risk. The FMS consists of 7 movements: deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotational stability.Each movement is scored on a 0-3 scale, with 3 indicating optimal performance. The maximum total score is 21.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Balance
Balance was assessed using the Sensbalance MiniBoard (Sensamove®, Utrecht, The Netherlands), a movable platform that provides an interactive challenge to balance control. Participants performed two tasks, each completed twice and held for 30 seconds
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Strength tests
Lafayette Manual Muscle Test System (Model 01165) was used to determine isometric muscle strength. The Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester (MMT) system is an ergonomic handheld device used to objectively measure muscle strength.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
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