Vol 17, Issue 5

The Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training on the Perceptions of Exercise in Middle-Aged Females: A Pilot Study

July 1, 2024 - By 

Authors

Halle N. Brin, Kansas State University
Baylie G. Sigmund, Pittsburg State University
Nathan D. Dicks, North Dakota State University
Kathryn J. DeShaw, Loras College
Tanis J. Walch, University of North Dakota
Michael J. Carper, Pittsburg State University
Allison M. Barry, South Dakota State University
International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1392-1405, 2024. 
DOI: 10.70252/WZKJ6406

Abstract

The high prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in the U.S. is a public health crisis. This study aims to examine the effects of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on exercise perceptions and physiological changes in inactive females. A pre-test and post-test, quasi-experimental design was conducted with inactive, middle-aged females (n = 8) participating in an 8-week supervised and verified intervention (2-week High-Intensity Interval Training, 6-weeks HIFT). The Health Belief Model Scale for Exercise (HBMS-E) survey was completed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up to assess exercise perceptions. Pre- and post-intervention physiological assessments included: body composition, strength (1-repetition maximum (RM) bench press (BP), 5-RM deadlift (DL), and maximal oxygen consumption (O2max). A within-subjects repeated-measures ANOVA assessed the HBM constructs between pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up. Dependent t-tests compared physiological outcomes pre- to post-intervention. There was a significant decrease between pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up for objective (F(2, 14)=22.24, p < .001) and subjective barriers (F(2, 14) = 11.20, p = .001), and a significant increase in self-efficacy (F(1.08, 7.53)= 8.96, p = .02). There was a significant increase in O2max (p = .001, d = 1.81), 1-RM BP (p < .001, d = 2.51), and 5-RM DL (p = .001, d = 1.83) pre- to post-intervention. Findings suggest HIFT positively influenced middle-aged females’ perceptions of barriers and self-efficacy related to exercise and provides fitness benefits to improve health and wellness.

Recommended Citation