EmpowerHER: A Pilot Study to Increase Physical Activity and Strength Through Powerbuilding.

Bibliographic Details
Title: EmpowerHER: A Pilot Study to Increase Physical Activity and Strength Through Powerbuilding.
Authors: STREETMAN, ASPEN E., STREETMAN, MURRY T., BRIN, HALLE N., MAILEY, EMILY L., HEINRICH, KATIE M.
Source: International Journal of Exercise Science; 2024, Vol. 17 Issue 8, p750-767, 18p
Subject Terms: PHYSICAL activity, MUSCLE strength, POWERLIFTING, BENCH press, PILOT projects, SQUAT (Weight lifting)
Abstract: Engaging in empowering exercise develops movement competency (MC) and strength and supports physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. Power building combines powerlifting and bodybuilding to increase physical activity (PA), MC, and strength. To our knowledge, power building has not been explored as an exercise intervention. This pilot study investigated the impact of an eight-week power building intervention on women's PA, MC, strength, and empowerment. Eighteen women aged 25.1±9.8 with no powerbuilding experience participated in the intervention, meeting three times weekly for one hour. PA and MC were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Three-repetition maximum (3-RM) tests in the squat, bench press, and deadlift were completed in weeks one and eight of the intervention. Data were checked for normality; the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for non-normally distributed data. The McNemar test was used to analyze differences in dichotomous variables. Effect size was calculated and interpreted as follows small r = 0.1 d = 0.2 omega = 0.1 ), medium ( r = 0.3, d = 0.5 omega ω = 0.3, and large ( r = 0.5, d = 0.8 omega ω = 0.5 ) Total PA ([ t(17) = 3.52, p = 0.003 d = 0.83I ) and participants who met the PA guidelines ( Z = 6.13, p = 0.008 omega = 0.82 ) increased significantly from pre-to post-intervention. Participants' MC scores improved significantly from pre- (24.3±3.5) to post-intervention (29.5±2.5; [ t(17) = 10.04, p < 0.001 d=2.37]). Significant increases in strength were observed (squat Z = - 3.73 p < 0.001 r = 0.881 bench press Z = - 3.73 p < 0.001 r=0.88], and deadlift It(17) = 16.41 p < 0.001 d = 3.87l ) . Empowerment in exercise scores averaged 56.3±6.6 (on a scale of 5-65). The intervention significantly increased total PA, improved MC, increased strength, and facilitated empowerment. Women's participation in powerbuilding may enhance their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Exercise Science is the property of Western Kentucky University, Department of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Supplemental Index
More Details
ISSN:1939795X
DOI:10.70252/cpod1825
Published in:International Journal of Exercise Science
Language:English