Award Date

1-1-1992

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Human Performance and Development

First Committee Member

Lawrence A. Golding

Number of Pages

127

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Adult; Fitness; Men; Perceived; Physical; Validity; Women

Controlled Subject

Psychophysiology; Physiology; Physical education and training

File Format

pdf

File Size

4270.08 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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