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Physical self‐concept and physical fitness in elderly individuals
Author(s) -
Amesberger G.,
Finkenzeller T.,
Würth S.,
Müller E.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01346.x
Subject(s) - physical fitness , concentric , context (archaeology) , balance (ability) , physical strength , physical therapy , psychology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , muscle strength , vertical jump , jump , medicine , mathematics , paleontology , geometry , biology , physics , quantum mechanics
This investigation examined the relations between physical self‐concept and physical fitness (endurance, balance, muscle strength, muscle power) for gaining knowledge about the interrelationship between subjective ratings and objective fitness scores in the elderly in three steps: (1) detecting correlations and changes in time, (2) clarifying the influence of gender, and (3) of a skiing intervention lasting 12 weeks. Physical self‐concept was assessed using a modified version of the Physical Self‐Concepts (PSK) scales (Stiller et al., 2004) reflecting three first‐order factors (endurance, strength, general sportiness) and one second‐order factor (global fitness). Objective fitness scores were obtained by VO 2max , counter movement jump, concentric muscle strength, and static balance. The results reveal that elderly individuals' global physical self and general sportiness are mainly linked to VO 2max and concentric muscle strength. Global physical self is predicted by VO 2max in females and by physical strength (concentric muscle strength) in males, indicating gender differences. Over time, correlations between subjective ratings and objective fitness scores become stronger in the sense of convergent validity in the skiing intervention group, whereas convergent and divergent validity cannot be supported by data of the control group. In sum, physical self‐concept is an important factor in the context of physical intervention programs in the elderly.