Resistance training effects on women’s posture

Abstract

Posture problems hit a big portion of world population, causing relative slight discomforts and even serious injuries. To maintain a proper posture, musculoskeletal balance is essential. Since this balance may be positively influenced by muscular strengthening, the purpose of the present study was to assess the possible posture changes caused by 16-week resistance training. Twelve women, college students, sedentary or moderately active (regular physical activity < 2 times per week) took part of the sample. They had not participated in regular weight training programs over 6 months prior to the beginning of the experiments. Posture assessment involved observational analysis of sagital and dorsal plans, using a simetrograph. Data were treated, at first, by descriptive proceedings. Comparisons between the moments of study were analyzed by ratio comparison test (p ≤ 0,05). The segments that apparently got more improvement with the resistance training were head/neck, abdomen e ankle. Thus, we can conclude that apparently, for this group, the resistance training is efficient to the improvement of these segments.Posture. Physical education and training. Measures.