Type of physical training and selected aspects of psychological functioning of women with obesity: a randomised trial

Abstract

Background: We have conducted a prospective randomised trial to check whether a specific type of regular physical training done by women with obesity is related to obtaining specific psychological benefits. Methods: Participants were patients of outpatient clinic suffering from obesity. Finally, 44 women were qualified for the study and divided into two groups: A (n=22) and B (n=22). The applied intervention consisted of regular 3-month physical exercises in the form of endurance training (group A) or endurance-strength training (group B). Initially and after the completed intervention, anthropometric measurements were carried out in each group (height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference), BMI and WHR were calculated, the level of psychological parameters was examined: stress (PSS-10), general self-esteem (SES), body self-report (BSQ–34, FRS), behaviours associated with diet (TFEQ-18). Results: At baseline, groups did not differ in age (A: M=51.3, SD=8.3 yrs.; B: M=48.2, SD=11.2 yrs.) and BMI (A: M=35.2, SD=3.9 kg/m2; B:M=34.9, SD=3.8 kg/m2). As a result of the intervention, both groups had significantly lower anthropometric parameters and FRS decreased significantly with regard to the current figure (gr. A: p<0.001; gr. B: p=0.01) and BSQ-34 result (gr. A: p=0.001; gr. B: p=0.01). Additionally, group B had lower results in TFEQ-18 in terms of cognitive restraint (p=0.01) and emotional eating (p=0.01). There were no differences between group A and B in terms of the magnitude of changes achieved due to the intervention, except from significant improvement (p=0.03) in group A in terms of perception of the current figure (FRS). Conclusions: Three-months long regular physical activity of women with obesity promotes the perception of own body as slimmer and lower body shape concerns. Endurance-strength training enhances cognitive and emotional control in the field of nutrition, it also seems more beneficial in reducing stress levels. In turn, the change in body shape is more noticed under the influence of endurance training. Trial registration: Clinical Trials NCT03444207 Keywords: obesity, physical activity, psychological aspects, body image