The validity of perceived physical fitness in adult men and women

This study investigated the perception of personal physical fitness in adult men and women by comparing a Perceived Physical Fitness Index (PPFI) with a composite index of measured fitness. Subjects were 106 volunteer adults 36-55 years of age. They completed the PPFI (a 7-point Likert-type scale) and were then assessed for body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. A composite fitness score was compared with their PPFI score. Perceived fitness was significantly different than actual fitness (F (1,100) = 31.3, {dollar}p <{dollar} 0.001) and there was a significant gender difference (F (1,100) = 13.56, {dollar}p <{dollar} 0.001). However, a significant interaction (F (1,100) = 21.88, {dollar}p <{dollar} 0.0001) indicated that the difference between perceived and actual fitness was not consistent for males and females. Further analysis revealed that females were able to estimate their fitness level more accurately than males. The results indicate that perceived fitness is a valid indicator of actual fitness for women but not for men.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human Performance and Development

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year

1992

Author dc:creator

• McCollum, Patricia Anne Mortati

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lawrence A. Golding

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/rtds/241

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oasis.library.unlv.edu:rtds-1240