The relationship between levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and physical self-perception in adolescent girls

Date
2004-12
Authors
Du Toit, Liezel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is a universal concern about the rapid decline in the physical activity levels of children, particularly adolescent girls. There is evidence of an increase in juvenile obesity that is associated with numerous health risks. During adolescence the majority of psychological problems associated with obesity stem from a disturbance in the self-concept. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between fitness, body composition and physical selfperception of a sample of 167 adolescent girls (14-17 years), and to compare these results with the results of similar studies from around the world. The results show a significant positive relationship (r = 0.47; P < 0.01) between levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical self-perception and significant negative relationships between percentage body fat and physical self-perception (r = -0.35; p < 0.01), as well as body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness (r = -0.47; P < 0.01). The results clearly illustrate the current prevalence of obesity associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness (due to inactivity) and low selfperception. The importance of being physically active for the physical and psychological well-being of adolescents is a valuably preventive and treatment measure.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die bekommernis oor die toenemende afname in die fisieke aktiwiteitsvlakke van kinders, veral adolessente meisies, blyk 'n universele verskynsel te wees. Bewyse is gevind van 'n toename in obesiteit by kinders wat verband hou met verskeie gesondheidsrisikos. Tydens adolessensie word die meeste sielkundige probleme wat verband hou met obesiteit deur 'n versteuring in die selfkonsep veroorsaak. Die doel van hierdie studie was om vas te stel wat die verband tussen fiksheid, liggaamsamestelling en fisieke selfpersepsie is. Die steekproef het bestaan uit 167 adolessente meisies (14 - 17 jaar oud) en hierdie resultate is vergelyk met die resultate van soortgelyke studies van regoor die wêreld. Die resultate toon 'n beduidend positiewe verband (r = 0.47; P < 0.01) tussen kardiorespiratoriese fiksheidsvlakke en fisieke selfpersepsie vlakke en beduidend negatiewe verbande tussen liggaamsvetpersentasie en selfpersepsie (r = -0.35; P < 0.01) sowel as liggaamsamestelling en kardiorespiratoriese fiksheid (r = -0.47; P < 0.01). Die resultate toon dat die voorkoms van obesiteit met lae kardiorespiratoriese fiksheid (as gevolg van 'n gebrek aan fisieke aktiwiteit) en lae selfpersepsie verband hou. Die belangrikheid van fisieke aktiwiteit vir die fisieke en sielkundige welstand van adolessente is 'n waardevolle voorkomende en behandelingsmetode.
Description
Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.
Keywords
Physical fitness, Teenage girls, Body composition, Self-perception, Dissertations -- Sport science
Citation