Open Access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Sleep Sci 2024; 17(02): e134-e142
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777781
Original Article

Examining the Effects of Strength Training with Load Progression on Sleep Parameters and Mental Health in College Students

Camila Tenório Calazans de Lira
1   Department of Physical Education, Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
2   Department of Physical Education, Uninovo University Center, Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil
,
Ladyodeyse da Cunha Silva Santiago
1   Department of Physical Education, Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
,
Rafael do Santos Henrique
3   Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
,
João Francisco Lins Brayner Rangel-Junior
4   Department of Dentistry, Graduate Hebiatrics Program: Health Determinants in Adolescence, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
5   Department of Physical Education, School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
,
Camilla Porto Campello
4   Department of Dentistry, Graduate Hebiatrics Program: Health Determinants in Adolescence, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
6   Department of Physical Education, Division of Research in Adolescents Mental Health and Sleep Problems, Institutional Project in Natural Disasters, Sanitary, and Social Emergencies, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
7   Department of Dentistry, Graduate Program in Global Health and Health Diplomacy, National School of Public Health Sérgio Arouca, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Ministry of Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
1   Department of Physical Education, Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
4   Department of Dentistry, Graduate Hebiatrics Program: Health Determinants in Adolescence, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
› Institutsangaben
Preview

Abstract

Objective To compare the effects of strength training with load progression after 4 weeks on sleep parameters and mental health in college students.

Methods A total of 17 university students (11 women, 6 men), ranging from 18 to 21 years old, were randomized into a strength training group (STG) and a control group (CG). The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), insomnia severity questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scale, profile of mood states (POMS), and chronotype were used to evaluate the main outcomes. Training consisted of 60 minute·d−1 (2 times/week, for 4-weeks), with 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions, and a 1-minute rest interval between sets and exercises. Baseline and postintervention differences were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results After 4 weeks of ST, a significant time effect on the chronotype (β: 1.33; p < 0.05) was observed in the STG. Additionally, there was a significant time and group effect in the reduction of tension (β: 5.00; p < 0.05), depression (β: 15.41; p < 0.05), anger (β: 8.00; p < 0.05), and confusion (β: 6.50; p < 0.05). For fatigue (β: 2.66; p < 0.05), there was a significant time effect difference in its reduction. Vigor was meaningfully increased in the STG group (β: −1.75; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was observed between sleep quality and anxiety (r = 0.54; p = 0.03). Finally, insomnia was positively related with an increase in confusion (r = 0.70; p = 0.04) and anxiety (r = 0.52; p = 0.04), as well as with a decrease in vigor (r = −0.71; p = 0.03).

Discussion Short-term strength training for 4 weeks was effective for improving mental health, helping achieve characteristics of a positive mood profile, that is, low values for negative factors and a high value for the positive factor.

Ethical Considerations

This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Pernambuco (UPE, CAAE: 91840618.6.0000.5192). All procedures followed the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki (www.wma.net/e/policy/b3.htm). Prior to starting the experimental protocol, all participants were informed about the study, including an explanation of the research objective, and signed an informed consent form. They were also assured of their right to refuse participation and to voluntarily withdraw from the study. Moreover, they were informed that the intervention would not be harmful to them and their data would be managed confidentially.




Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 14. April 2023

Angenommen: 02. August 2023

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
29. Februar 2024

© 2024. Brazilian Sleep Association. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda.
Rua do Matoso 170, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 20270-135, Brazil