Relations of physical self-concept and muscular strength with resistance exercise-induced feeling state scores in older women

Formerly sedentary older women (M age= 62 yr.) were recruited for either a wait-list control group (n - 40) or a 10-.wk., 3 days/wk. weight-training treatment group (n = 48). Only the treatment group demonstrated significant before- to after-exercise improvements on the Exercise-induced Feeling Inventory scales of Positive Engagement, Revitalization, Tranquility, and Physical Exhaustion (ds=1.431 to 1.961). For the treatment group, scores on Physical Self-concept of the Tennessee Selfconcept Scale: 2 were significantly correlated (r = -.28) with after-excrcise changes in Physical Exhaustion. Muscular strength was significantly correlated with after-excrcise changes in scores on three Exercise-incluced Feeling Inventory scales (rs 1.281 to vertical bar.3 1 vertical bar). Simultaneous entry of Physical Self-concept scores and muscular strength into multiple regression equations increased the explained variance in Exercise-induced Feeling Inventory score changes for each of its four scales. Statistical significance was only reached, however, on changes in the Physical Exhaustion scale (R-2=.16, p= .02). Limitations and implications for theoretical development and applied use were discussed.