The Effects of the Autonomy and Perceptions Approach to Resistance Training (APART) on Body Composition, Physiological and Performance Outcomes in Healthy Young Adults: a Non-inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effects of the Autonomy and Perceptions Approach to Resistance Training (APART) on Body Composition, Physiological and Performance Outcomes in Healthy Young Adults: a Non-inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial
120 participants will be randomized into one of two groups that will perform resistance training at a gym three time per week for three months. One group will follow common resistance training guidelines, whereas the other will exercise according to their preferences and perception of effort. The groups will be compared on the following primary outcomes after six and 12 weeks: body composition, physiological and performance tests. The groups will be compared on the following secondary outcomes every two weeks: enjoyment and satisfaction levels. Adherence rates will be measured throughout the intervention.
Develop and test the non-inferiority of a new RT prescription model, entitled The Autonomy and Perceptions Approach to Resistance Training (APART). This approach is simple to follow, individualized, and autonomy supportive. Accordingly, it may assist trainees to overcome some of the limitations of the standard RT prescription approach. Under APART, trainees choose the loads they lift for each exercise according to their preferences, and then complete as many repetitions as required until reaching a specific rating of perceived effort (RPE) value on a 0 (no effort) to 10 (maximal effort) scale (e.g., 8/10). For this non-inferiority randomized controlled trial, the investigators will recruit 120 healthy, sedentary participants, between the ages of 18 and 45, who will be block-randomized by gender and age (18-27, 28-45) to either the APART or the standard groups. Following two baseline-testing sessions and two guided familiarization sessions, participants will independently complete three RT sessions per week for 12 weeks. The following primary outcomes will be assessed after six and 12 weeks: (ⅰ) body composition including fat free mass; (ⅱ) performance measures, including maximal strength and strength endurance; and (ⅲ) physiological measures, including blood profile and hemodynamics. The following secondary outcomes will be measured every two weeks: (ⅳ) psychological measures, including self-efficacy, autonomy, and enjoyment; and (ⅴ) adherence measures, which will be monitored throughout the intervention. If APART will be found to be non-inferior to the standard RT prescription, it can provide a simple and easy to follow alternative to the standard RT prescriptions, which also highlights trainees' preferences and individual abilities. This, in turn, might contribute to future participation and adherence to RT.
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