Title: Health foresight: the positive effects of strength training

Authors: Martin Ahamer

Addresses: Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, 8010 Graz, Austria

Abstract: In the strategic context of foresight, the target of the present work is to describe the positive effects of strength training on health. A literature analysis answers two research questions: What are the positive effects of strength training on health? How must training be carried out in order to achieve positive effects? The results show that strength training has many positive health effects including positive orthopaedic effects on back pain, muscular imbalances, muscular joint stabilisation, arthrosis, osteoporosis, incontinence prevention and therapy. It counteracts age-related muscle atrophy, and acts on brain and mental health, including improved cognitive functions and strengthening long-term memory. The results further showed that resistance training has positive effects on blood lipid levels, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and diabetes, and has cardioprotective effects. After build-up of muscle mass, the change in physical appearance can also lead to positive psychological effects such as an increase in self-concept and self-confidence.

Keywords: health; strength training; cardiovascular system; stress; exercise; sport; endurance training; muscular imbalances; osteoporosis; obesity; preventive medicine; orthopaedic risks; blood pressure; mental health.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2023.136734

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2023 Vol.16 No.2/3/4, pp.230 - 256

Received: 20 Apr 2023
Accepted: 29 Jun 2023
Published online: 19 Feb 2024 *

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