Resistance training is linked to heightened positive motivational state and lower negative affect among healthy women aged 65–70

ABSTRACT

Resistance training (RT) improves overall health, but the psychological effects of RT in healthy old adults have not been tested. The aim of this study was to investigate a sample of 65–70-year-old healthy and physically active women to assess their sense of coherence, health-related quality of life, hope, and affect, before and after taking part in a 24-week RT intervention (N = 14), compared to controls (N = 18). Findings showed a significant increase in hope (p = 0.013) and a significant decrease in negative affect (p = 0.002). Starting RT after age 65 does not appear to negatively impact on women’s psychological health but seems to be associated with important psychological health benefits.

KEYWORDS:

• Healthy aging
• hope
• negative affect
• psychological outcomes
• resistance training

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the participants, as well as Mikael Quennerstedt, Henrik Gustafsson, Emelie Strandberg, and Adrian Hosford-Donovan, for their help during the study.