Author(s): TAMÁS, K., MIKLÓSSY, I., BODOR, ZS., CZONT, A., Institution: SAPIENTIA HUNGARIAN UNIVERSITY OF TRANSYLVANIA, Country: ROMANIA, Abstract-ID: 2181

INTRODUCTION:
Resistance training plays a central role in preserving skeletal muscle mass, enhancing neuromuscular function, and improving metabolic health, particularly in young adults transitioning into increasingly sedentary academic lifestyles. Declines in physical activity during university years are associated with unfavorable changes in body composition and reduced muscular fitness, highlighting the importance of structured strength-based interventions in this population. Although 6–12week programs can improve strength and body composition, variability in training design limits comparability, and few studies have examined phase-based interventions in this population. Therefore, this exploratory study investigated the effects of an 8-week periodized resistance training program on body composition and maximal strength in university students.
METHODS:
Eighteen students (20–26 years) participated in a pre–post design. Experimental (EG) and control groups (CG) included 9 students each with similar mean age, body mass, height, and baseline body composition characteristics. Body composition (seca mBCA525 GO), anthropometry, and isometric mid-thigh pull, prone row performance (VALD Dynamo) were assessed. Measurements were conducted in the morning after ≥8 h fasting under standardized conditions. The EG completed 8-week OPT-based resistance training program, periodized into four 2-week phases (50–100% 1RM). CG attended regular physical education (ball games and indoor climbing). To ensure comparability, training volume was time- and frequency-matched between groups (2 sessions/week, ~70 min/session). Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Normality of distribution was assessed using the “Shapiro–Wilk” test. Pre–post changes within groups were evaluated using paired t-tests for normally distributed variables. Between-group differences were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, as appropriate changes with p<0.05 were considered significant. Informed consent was collected from all participants.
RESULTS:
The EG showed improvements, although partly significant across strength measures (IMTP +9.46%, p = 0.056; prone row +8.60%, p = 0.100), while CG exhibited minimal changes. Skeletal muscle mass increased in the EG (+4.64%) but decreased in CG (−1.10%) however, between-group differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.074). Fat mass percentage increased in both groups, whereas BMI increased significantly only in the experimental group (+4.37%, p = 0.006). Overall, strength outcomes improved exclusively in the resistance training group.
CONCLUSION:
An 8-week OPT-based resistance training program may complement regular physical education by enhancing strength-related adaptations in university students, although short-term body composition changes were limited. Larger samples are required to confirm these preliminary findings.