Physical self-concept and physical fitness in elderly individuals

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 2011-08, Vol.21 (s1), p.83-90
• Main Authors: Amesberger, G., Finkenzeller, T., Würth, S., Müller, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Age Factors; Aged; Aging - physiology; Aging - psychology; construct validity; elderly individuals; Ergometry; Female; Fitness; Geriatrics; Gerontology; Humans; Leg - physiology; Male; Maximum oxygen consumption; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscular endurance; Oxygen Consumption - physiology; Physical Endurance - physiology; Physical Fitness; physical self-concept; Psychometrics; scoring; Self Concept; Self image; Skiing; Skiing - physiology; Skiing - psychology; skiing intervention; Statistics as Topic; Strength; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0905-7188; 1600-0838
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01346.x

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 VO2max, 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 VO2max and concentric muscle strength. Global physical self is predicted by VO2max 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.