The Effects of Autonomy and Perceptions on Resistance Training Outcomes

Tel Aviv University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Strength Training

Treatments: Other: Autonomy and Perceptions Approach to Resistance Training (APART); Other: Standard prescription

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05371587

ISF_Halperin_TAU

Details and patient eligibility

About

120 participants will be randomized into one of two groups that will perform resistance training at a gym three time per week for three months. One group will follow common resistance training guidelines, whereas the other will exercise according to their preferences and perception of effort. The groups will be compared on the following primary outcomes after six and 12 weeks: body composition, physiological and performance tests. The groups will be compared on the following secondary outcomes every two weeks: enjoyment and satisfaction levels. Adherence rates will be measured throughout the intervention.

Full description

Develop and test the non-inferiority of a new RT prescription model, entitled The Autonomy and Perceptions Approach to Resistance Training (APART). This approach is simple to follow, individualized, and autonomy supportive. Accordingly, it may assist trainees to overcome some of the limitations of the standard RT prescription approach. Under APART, trainees choose the loads they lift for each exercise according to their preferences, and then complete as many repetitions as required until reaching a specific rating of perceived effort (RPE) value on a 0 (no effort) to 10 (maximal effort) scale (e.g., 8/10). For this non-inferiority randomized controlled trial, the investigators will recruit 120 healthy, sedentary participants, between the ages of 18 and 45, who will be block-randomized by gender and age (18-27, 28-45) to either the APART or the standard groups. Following two baseline-testing sessions and two guided familiarization sessions, participants will independently complete three RT sessions per week for 12 weeks. The following primary outcomes will be assessed after six and 12 weeks: (ⅰ) body composition including fat free mass; (ⅱ) performance measures, including maximal strength and strength endurance; and (ⅲ) physiological measures, including blood profile and hemodynamics. The following secondary outcomes will be measured every two weeks: (ⅳ) psychological measures, including self-efficacy, autonomy, and enjoyment; and (ⅴ) adherence measures, which will be monitored throughout the intervention. If APART will be found to be non-inferior to the standard RT prescription, it can provide a simple and easy to follow alternative to the standard RT prescriptions, which also highlights trainees' preferences and individual abilities. This, in turn, might contribute to future participation and adherence to RT.

Enrollment: 129 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• No health issues preventing resistance training
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 ("normal") and 29.9 ("overweight")
• Body weight > 50 Kg
• Without RT experience or with little experience (i.e. less than once a week in the past 12 months).

Exclusion criteria

• Participants who responded positively to any of the health sections and did not provide medical clearance
• Pregnant women or less than six months after childbirth
• BMI values outside of the specified range
• Body weight < 50 Kg
• RT experience exceeding the specified cut-off (see above)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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129 participants in 2 patient groups

A - Standard resistance training prescription

Active Comparator group

Description:

Standard resistance training prescription: participants will perform three sessions per week comprised of six resistance training exercises - horizontal leg press, lat-pulldown, knee extension, chest press, leg curls and shoulder press. They will perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions using 65% percent of the maximal load that can be lifted once according to a one repetition maximum (1RM) test. Their progression model will be as follows: Weeks 1-3 65%1RM; Weeks 4-6 70%1RM; 1RM reassessment at week 6; Weeks 7-9 70% of the updated 1RM; Weeks 10-12 75%1RM. Prior to beginning of the program four visits will take place: 1. Laboratory visit for measuring physiological and anthropometric outcomes (see outcomes section) 2. 1RM testing 3. Endurance and maximal voluntary contraction testing + introduction with the exercise program 4. A second introduction session with the exercise program

Treatment:

Other: Standard prescription

B- Autonomy and perceptions approach to resistance training (APART)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will perform 3 sessions/week of the same exercises. They will perform 3 sets of each exercise, self-select the load they lift in each set and perform repetitions aiming to reach a level of effort of 7-8 on a 0-10 rating of perceived effort scale (RPE) at the end of the set. Their progression model will be as follows: Weeks 1-3 RPE 7/10; Weeks 4-12 RPE 8/10. The selected RPE score of 7 and then 8 out of 10 has been shown to lead to increases in maximal strength in previous research. Prior to beginning of the program four visits will take place: 1. Laboratory visit (similar to standard). 2. 1RM testing where the principles of perceived effort will be introduced. 3. Endurance and maximal voluntary contraction testing + introduction with the exercise program. Participants will practice how to self-select the load they prefer and then perform repetitions leading to the target RPE score. 4. A second introduction session with the exercise program and the RPE construct.

Treatment:

Other: Autonomy and Perceptions Approach to Resistance Training (APART)