Acute effect of different resistance training loads on perceived effort and affectivity in older women: a cross-over and randomized study

Abstract

Aims: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of different resistance training loads on the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and feelings of pleasure displeasure (sFPD) of the session in older women.

Methods: In a randomized, counterbalanced, and cross-over design, 16 older women (66.1 ± 3.9 years, 67.0 ± 8.4 kg, 154.1 ± 6.8 cm, 28.3 ± 4.4 kg/m²) performed 3 sets of 8 exercises in three experimental conditions, 1 session with a heavy load (HEV), one with a moderate load (MOD), and one session with a light load (LIT), all performed until momentary muscle failure. The sRPE and sFPD were assessed 15 min after the end of each session using specific scales.

Results: A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed among conditions for sFPD in which HEV produced feelings of displeasure, and MOD produced greater feelings of pleasure (HEV = -1.38 ± 1.7, MOD = 3.38 ± 1.2, LIT = 0.69 ± 1.04). For sRPE, a significant (P < 0.05) difference was observed between MOD and LIT; whereby the LIT load induced a greater score compared to the MOD load (HEV = 4.56 ± 1.4, MOD = 4.31 ± 1.7, LIT = 5.75 ± 1.2).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the training load affects perceived effort and feelings of pleasure/displeasure when exercise is performed until concentric failure. The use of moderate loads induces greater pleasure feelings and a reduced degree of effort in older women.

Keywords: Aging; Exertion; Mood; Strength training.