The Validity of Perceived Physical Fitness in Adult Men and Women
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UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations 1-1-1992 The validity of perceived physical fitness in adult men and women Patricia Anne Mortati McCollum University of Nevada, Las Vegas Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/rtds Repository Citation McCollum, Patricia Anne Mortati, "The validity of perceived physical fitness in adult men and women" (1992). UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations. 241. http://dx.doi.org/10.25669/0370-xw29 This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by Digital Scholarship@UNLV with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. 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Ann Arbor, MI 48106 THE VALIDITY OF PERCEIVED PHYSICAL FITNESS IN ADULT MEN AND WOMEN by Patricia Mortati McCollum A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Exercise Physiology College of Human Performance and Development University of Nevada, Las Vegas August 1992 The Thesis of Patricia Mortati McCollum for the degree of Master of Science in Exercise Physiology is approved. /M Um i Chairperson, Lawrence A. Golding, Ph.D. Examining Committee Member, Gerald E. Landwer, Ph.D fj k. Z/fu/D/^nJL^____________ Examining Committee Member, Richard D. Tandy, Ph.D. amining Committee Meraterrtohn C. Young, Ph.D. Graduate Faculty Representative, Carol Kimball, D.M.A. Q ' liJ r L ^ Graduate Dean, Ronald W. Smith, Ph.D. University of Nevada, Las Vegas August, 1992 McCollum, Patricia M., M.S., August 1992 Exercise Physiology THE VALIDITY OF PERCEIVED PHYSICAL FITNESS IN ADULT MEN AND WOMEN (117 pg.) Director of Thesis: Lawrence A. Golding, Ph.D. A bstract National health and fitness experts have defined and explained physical fitness and its benefits. Although the public has a general concept of the components of physical fitness, it is hypothesized that there is a poor relationship between an individual’s self-assessed perceived physical fitness and actual measured physical fitness. This study investigated the perception of personal physical fitness in adult men and women by comparing Perceived Physical Fitness Index (PPFI) with a composite index of measured fitness. Subjects were 106 apparently healthy volunteer adults 36-55 years of age (X = 44). They completed a PPFI and were then assessed for body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, as well as flexibility. A composite fitness score was compared with their PPFI score. Perceived fitness was significantly different than actual fitness (F (1,100) = 31.3, p < 0.001) and there was a significant gender difference (F (1,100) = 13.56, p < 0.001). However, a significant gender x fitness assessment method (perceived/actual) interaction (F (1 ,100) = 21.88, p < 0.0001) indicated that the difference between perceived and actual fitness was not consistent for males and females. Further analysis indicated that females were able to estimate their fitness level more accurately than males. Males tended to overestimate their fitness level. An examination of the criteria used by men and women when formulating a rating of their personal physical fitness and a cross-validation of the PPFI are discussed. TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract .................................................................................................................. iii Table of Contents ................................................................................................. v List of Tables ...................................................................................................... viii List of Figures ..................................................................................................... ix Acknowledgements ............................................................................................ x Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................................... 1 Need for the Study .............................................................................4 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................... 4 Limitations and Assumptions .............................................................5 Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature ........................................................ 6 Evolution of the Concept of Physical Fitness ................................ 6 Physical Fitness Defined ................................................................. 14 Physical Fitness Testing ................................................................ 17 Historical Overview .............................................................. 17 Abbreviated Fitness Tests .................................................. 21 Fitness Tests Used in Present Study .................................... 25 Perceived Physical Fitness .......................................................... 28 Definition ............................................................................... 28 Physical Fitness vs. Physical Ability .................................... 29 v Perceived Physical Fitness Index (PPFI) ............................ 32 Perceived Physical Fitness Studies .................................... 32 Summary .............................................................................. 43 Chapter 3 Methodology ................................................................................ 46 Subjects ...........................................................................................46 Materials and Apparatus .............................................................. 52 Procedures .................................................................................... 56 Statistical Design ............................................................................. 62 Chapter 4 Results and Discussion ............................................................... 64 Subjects ...........................................................................................64 Perceived Physical Fitness vs. Actual Physical Fitness 65 Basis for Perception of Physical Fitness ...................................... 73 Cross-Validation of the Perceived Physical Fitness Index 76 Chapter 5 Summary and Conclusions ...................................................... 78 Summary ......................................................................................... 78 Conclusions .................................................................................. 80 Recommendations ...........................................................................80 Recommendations for Further Research ........................................81 A p p e n d ice s Appendix A - Publicity .................................................................... 82 Appendix B - Questionnaire ............................................................ 86 Appendix C - Perceived Physical Fitness Index (PPFI) 88 Appendix D - Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire 90 vi Appendix E - Subject Consent Form ........................................... 92 Appendix F - Physical Fitness Self-Assessment ......................... 94 Appendix G - Abadie Perceived Physical Fitness Scale ........... 96 Appendix H - Subject Data Form ................................................. 98 Appendix I - Fitness Evaluation and Information Form 100