Physical Activity and Perceived Health in a Sample of Active-duty US Air Force Members

Abstract

2107 Literature examining the relationship between physical activity (PA) and perceived health in younger populations, specifically the military is limited. Given that many military members do not meet minimum ACSM PA guidelines—coupled with the effect inactivity has on health—examining the relationship between PA and perceived health may prove bene. cial in formulating broader messages to promote PA in the military population. Purpose: To examine difference in health perceptions among physically active and low-active Air Force (AF) members. Methods: Data were collected via interviews from 94 AF members (50 males (M), 44 females (F)) ages 19–52 y. Members were classified as physically active (A) if they responded “yes” to the PA identification question indicating they met minimum ACSM PA fitness guidelines (i.e., at least 3x/week, 20 min or >, at an intensity that causes you to breathe heavier); those not meeting guidelines were classified as low-active (LA). Estimated energy expenditure (kcal/week) was computed using the Compendium of PA (Ainsworth et al., 1993; 2000) guidelines for assessing PA data. Perception of health was assessed using Version 2 of the SF-36 Health Survey (Ware et al., 2001). Analyses were conducted on the Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summary scores. Results: 53% of members reported meeting ACSM guidelines. A and LA groups did not differ in gender (AM = 29, LAM = 21, AF = 21, LAF = 23) or age (A = 33.06, LA = 31.73). Independent samples t-tests (one-tailed; pp<.05) were used to compare A and LA group means. No significant differences existed on self-perceptions of physical health and both groups in general reported high PCS scores (A = 56.28, LA = 56.88). Significant differences existed for self-perceptions of mental health (MCS) and PA recall (kcal/week). Higher levels of PA (A = 1721.10, LA = 230.70) and mental health (A = 50.82, LA = 46.72) were reported by A than LA members. Conclusions: The greater MCS and PA scores reported by A members suggest that PA is an important variable in maintaining emotional health of AF members. However, support for the relationship between PA and physical health was not found in this population. This may be due to the measure used to assess physical health and suggests that the SF-36 PCS may be ineffective in differentiating physical health status in a younger, disease-free population. These findings af. rm the need for further research—improving our understanding of the physical and mental health benefits of PA in younger populations and suggest that health promotion messages promoting PA in military populations should consider targeting the mental benefits associated with being physically active.