| Differential Effects of an 8-Week Combined Aerobic Training and Caffeine Supplementation Program on Specific Dimensions of Self-Concept in Middle-Aged Non-Athlete Women |
| Paper ID : 1207-SPORTCONGRESS (R2) |
| Authors |
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behjat khodatars1, saeid tanoorsaz *2 1behjat.khodatars1728@gmail.com 2Islamic Azad University, Dezful Branch |
| Abstract |
| Background: Self-concept, a multifaceted psychological construct influencing well-being, is often diminished in sedentary middle-aged women. While aerobic exercise and caffeine affect psychological states, their specific impacts on various self-concept dimensions remain underexplored. This study investigated how an 8-week combined aerobic training and caffeine program differentially influences six self-concept dimensions (physical, social, intellectual, moral, educational, temperament) in non-athlete women aged 30-45 with low self-concept. Methods: In this randomized trial, 48 non-athlete women from Dezful, Iran, were allocated to four groups (n=12): aerobic training plus caffeine (AT+C), aerobic training plus placebo (AT+P), caffeine only ©, or control (CON). The 8-week intervention featured supervised aerobic training (3 sessions/week at 50-70% MHR) and daily caffeine (5 mg/kg). The six-dimensional Saraswat Self-Concept Questionnaire (SCQ) was administered pre- and post-intervention. A 2x2 factorial ANCOVA, using baseline scores as covariates, analyzed main and interaction effects for each dimension. Results: The AT+C group showed significantly greater improvements across multiple dimensions versus all other groups (P < 0.01). The most pronounced enhancements were in physical self-concept (improved body image, competence), followed by social self-concept (increased confidence) and temperament self-concept (greater emotional stability). The AT+P group also improved, but less substantially. Caffeine-only and control groups showed no significant changes. A significant training × caffeine interaction (P < 0.05) was found for physical and social self-concept, indicating synergy. Conclusion: A combined 8-week aerobic training and caffeine program differentially enhances self-concept in middle-aged non-athlete women, with notable improvements in physical, social, and temperament aspects. This synergy highlights that comprehensive interventions can target distinct facets of psychological well-being, offering valuable insights for designing tailored programs to boost self-concept in this population.. |
| Keywords |
| Aerobic Exercise, Caffeine Supplementation, Self-Concept, Psychological Well-being, Non-Athlete Women, Dezful, Saraswat Self-Concept Questionnaire. ________________________________________ |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
