Effectiveness of a 12-week extracurricular multilateral training on body image dissatisfaction and body-size self-perception among adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate how multilateral, extra-curricular training, supplementary to the curricular Physical Education hours, can improve the self-perception of body image and reduce any dissatisfaction. Methods: 100 students (14-15 years) were assigned to the experimental group (MG; n=50; 25M, 25F) that has never been involved in extracurricular physical activity, or Active group (AG; n=50; 25M, 25F) practicing sports for at least 3 years. At baseline and after 12-week, anthropometric measurements and two standardized tests to assess the degree of personal satisfaction to-wards their body were administered (i.e., Body uneasiness test (BUT) and contour drawing rating scale (CDRS)). Results: After the intervention, signif-icant differences in the total MG for body weight (-1.36 ± 2.03 kg, p 0.05). Conclusions: Findings suggest that multilateral training could increase body image satisfaction. However, girls always showed higher scores than boys and this indicates greater dissatis-faction and uneasiness with their bodies.