Dissimilar perceptual response between trained women and men in resistance training to concentric failure: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Purpose: This study compared sex-related affective responses during resistance training performed to concentric failure.

Methods: The study was a non-randomized trial (quasi-experimental study). Well-trained young participants were allocated into two groups according to sex (Women, n = 7, 21.1 ± 6.0 years, 57.6 ± 5.0 kg; and Men, n = 7, 28.3 ± 5.7 years, 88.3 ± 11.4 kg). Participants visited the laboratory three times: 1) 12-repetition maximum; 2-3) resistance training to concentric failure sessions. Perceptual measures were assessed before, during, and immediately after the resistance training sessions. The following were assessed: a) rating of perceived exertion for effort (RPE-E) and discomfort (RPE-D), b) feeling scale, c) physical activity affect scale (PAAS), d) felt arousal scale, and e) physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES).

Results: High levels of RPE-E and RPE-D were reported without between-groups differences (p > 0.218). Women reported a reduction in the feeling scale (p = 0.001) whereas men did not (p > 0.680). Larger effect sizes were observed for women compared to men in the felt arousal scale and PAAS (negative affect and fatigue). Feeling scale and felt arousal scale data plotted in a circumplex model of affect indicated a transition to high-activation and unpleasant-affect only for the women. There was good reliability between results from sessions 1 and 2.

Conclusions: Training to concentric failure resulted in negative changes in affective perceptual responses only for women. This type of training should be used with caution since it may change the affect perception and reduce training adherence in women. Further studies are needed using larger sample sizes, different resistance-training exercises, and diverse training methods.

Keywords: Affect; Arousal; Discomfort; Fatigue; Mood; Pain.