Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to explore sex and age specific correlations between self-reported and estimated physical fitness. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 1 036 secondary-school students (55.3% girls). Self-reported physical fitness was assessed on a 10-point scale, with a higher score indicating better physical fitness. We measured waist circumference, sit-ups in 1 minute, standing long jump and sit-and-reach test and calculated z-scores to obtain objective physical fitness index. Boys performed better in sit-ups in 1 minute and standing long jump tests and had higher waist circumference values. Girls performed better in sit-and-reach test. Overall, boys had higher physical fitness z-score values, compared to girls. Younger boys had better physical fitness perception (r1st grade = 0.61, p<0.001), compared to older ones (r = 0.40–0.50, p<0.001). In girls, correlation coefficient was the highest in the 3rd grade (r = 0.46, p<0.001), followed by the 2ndgrade (r = 0.43, p<0.001), the 1stgrade (r = 0.41, p<0.001) and the 4th grade (r = 0.37, p<0.001). Our study shows moderate sex and age specific correlation between self-reported and estimated physical fitness in a large sample of adolescents.
Highlights
Physical fitness is considered one of the most important health markers [1] and a significant predictor of all-cause mortality [2]
The level of physical fitness in children and adolescents is associated with health in adulthood [3], pointing out that timely screening of and specific interventions to promote physical fitness may support disease prevention
Our study shows moderate correlation between the two variables in both boys and girls and according to age
Summary
Physical fitness is considered one of the most important health markers [1] and a significant predictor of all-cause mortality [2]. It is defined as ‘the capacity to perform physical activity to a full range of physiological and psychological qualities’ [1]. Components of physical fitness include: (1) cardiorespiratory, (2) musculoskeletal, (3) motor and (4) body composition fitness [3]. All components can be objectively assessed, often through laboratory or field-based testing [4]. Disadvantages of objective estimates of physical fitness, including cost and time of implementation, can limit their practical application in population based studies
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