The Effects of a 6-Week Strength and Endurance Circuit Training on Body Image of High School Girls

Abstract

Summary The aim of this study was to extend the knowledge about the influence of strength and endurance circuit training intervention on body image of the female high school students. Our hypothesis was: The objectively and subjectively measured body image among the 16 – 17 years old females will be significantly improved after the participation in 6-week strength and endurance circuit training. We used experiment with 2 groups from 2nd class from the secondary school: experimental (intervention) group consists of 15 female students (x̄ age = 16.99 ± 0.29 years) and control group consists of 20 female students (x̄ age = 17.11 ± 0.36 years). The experimental factor was the strength and endurance circuit training, practicing during 6 weeks (twice a week), performed during the physical education lessons. The body image of the girl was measured using 2 methods: the objective one was the somatometry (body height, body weight and Body Mass Index), subjective measurements of the body image were the Silhouettes – Contour Drawing Rating Scale (Thomson & Gray 1995). After these 6 weeks we succeeded in every measurement of the body image – the significant effect was noticed in the experimental group in pre- and post-test on Body Mass Index (p = 0,003) and on Contour Drawing Rating Scale (p = 0,003). According to the received knowledge we suggest to integrate this movement program to the lessons of the physical and sport education for the female adolescents.