Physical self-perception in adolescent pupils: role of body weight and physical fitness

Abstract

Physical self-perception depends on body weight, gender, but also to physical exercise. It is not well understood, however, whether the effects of the latter can be attributed to the level of physical activity or to the resulting physical fitness. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of both physical
activity level and physical fitness on the physical self-perception and its relationship with gender and body weight in adolescent pupils. The fitness level of 188 adolescents aged 12-16 years old was assessed through a test battery, while the “Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents” and the “Physical Self-Description Questionnaire Short” were administered to assess physical activity level and physical self-perception, respectively. The effects of gender and body weight on physical self-perception was evaluated using the analysis of variance with physical activity level and physical fitness as covariates. Results showed that overweight reduces the overall physical self-perception.
Furthermore, the physical self-perception is generally higher in males than in females even without differences in either physical activity level or physical fitness.