Ability of biochemical and personality variables in discriminating between high and low physical fitness levels

Physical Fitness Levels and Psychological States versus Traits

10 men and 12 women joggers who had recently completed assessment of their aerobic capacity, were given the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List, and Scales K, 2, 7, 9, and 9–2 (Psychomotor acceleration) from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Multiple regression equations were constructed separately for each sex to determine the effect of statistical control of psychological states on the correlations between aerobic capacity and personality traits. The correlations between aerobic capacity and Factor B (Intelligence) for men and Factor C (Emotionality) for women, were substantially reduced when state variables were controlled, while correlations between aerobic capacity and Factors M (Imagination) for men and Q1 (Experimenting) for women were substantially enhanced by controlling for state variables. The results were interpreted as support for study of state variables as mediating factors in the relationship between physical fitness and personality. Replication with larger samples is necessary.

Physical fitness: a buffer against stress

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which physically fit and unfit persons differ regarding levels of stress in their lives. The six Kraus-Weber tests were employed to assess minimal muscular function and fitness among 4,628 adult males, and a 10-item Likert-type inventory was administered to measure perceived stress. Analysis of covariance was utilized with age statistically controlled, and the results indicated that the unfit subjects perceived significantly more distress in their lives than did the adequately fit subjects. It was concluded that physical fitness may fortify the body against the demands of life and provide increased strength and hardiness. Physical fitness may act as a buffer against stress.

Depression as a powerful discriminator between physically active and sedentary middle-aged men

This study identifies the relative importance of psychological dimensions that discriminate between habitually physically active and sedentary men. The data support the notion that physical activity has psychological benefits. Subjects (N = 22) were normal, medically healthy middle-aged men (40-60 years of age). Data were collected on selected physiological (treadmill) and psychological (MMPI) variables and replicated within four months. The Student's t-test and discriminant function analysis were used in the statistical analysis. Physically active men (n = 11) have lower depression (scale 2) and lower social introversion (scale 10) than the sedentary men (n = 11). The physically active men may exhibit MMPI scale differences in 'neurotic' tendencies from the sedentary men, but there is no apparent difference in scales suggestive of 'psychotic' tendencies. Depression (scale 2) is the most powerful discriminator between physically active and sedentary men, followed by hysteria (scale 3) and social introversion (scale 10). In conclusion, our data identify depression as the most important MMPI scale that discriminates between physically active and sedentary men.

The effects of exercise on mood and cognitive functioning

Psychological measures of mood and perceptual speed were administered to 64 subjects prior to and immediately following involvement in either vigorous exercise or a hobby class which served as a contrast group. In general, results support the claim that physical activity is associated with incremental changes in mood and mental functioning. Although significant changes on several variables were also observed in the contrast group, the magnitude of change from pre- to post-testing was greater for the experimental group. The study suggests several important directions for future research.