8-Week Online Fitness Intervention on Muscle Strength, Flexibility, Body Composition and Physical-Self Perception: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This research examines the effect of an online physical fitness intervention plan on health-related components, and self-perception with randomized controlled trial. A total of 43 individuals completed the study, 21 of them were in the experimental group, and 22 were in the control group. Muscle strength was assessed using push-ups and sit-ups, while flexibility was determined through sit-and-reach tests. Fat and muscle mass in the arms, legs, trunk, android, gynoid regions, and total body were measured in grams by using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Health, body fat, strength, flexibility, endurance sub-dimensions of Marsh Physical Self-Description Inventory was used for self-perception. Results showed that group and time interaction had a significant effect on self-perception of body fat and push-ups, flexibility left and right, total fat, body fat mass in the arm, leg, and gynoid regions. Although the muscle mass of the experimental group increased in the 8-week period, this situation was not statistically significant. The implemented physical fitness intervention program has a significant impact, particularly in terms of fat burning. The findings obtained in strength tests can be associated with a decrease in fat mass, especially in the upper body. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential of online fitness interventions in achieving positive health outcomes, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of such programs on both perceived and measured physical well-being.