Behavioral, Psychological, and Demographic Predictors of Physical Fitness.
Abstract
Achieving higher levels of physical fitness has become a goal of many Americans both for personal reasons (e.g., improved health, appearance, and perceived well-being) and for organizational reasons (e.g., corporate cost savings with healthy employees; operational readiness for the military services). Understanding the factors which relate to physical fitness could help people improve their fitness levels. This study examined 1,357 Navy men to determine the associations between a variety of behavioral, psychological, and background factors and four components of physical fitness: (a) cardiorespiratory endurance (1.5-mile run), (b) muscular endurance (sit-ups), (c) flexibility (sit-and-reach test), and (d) body composition (estimated percent body fat). After controlling for exercise activities, physical fitness was positively associated with wellness behaviors, believing in the importance of physical fitness, expecting to reach/maintain ideal weight, being athletic as a youth, and years of schooling; fitness was negatively associated with tobacco use, preventive/avoidance behaviors, age, and ever being overweight. Identifying such factors may help to structure better fitness programs tailored to the individual.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 14, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA192697
Entities
People
- Terry L. Conway
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center