Aging‐related changes in the relationship between the physical self‐concept and the physical fitness in elderly individuals

Abstract

The paper focuses on long‐term changes in parameters of self‐perception (ie, physical self‐concept, self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy), physical activity, and its relationship to physical fitness of healthy and active old adults. The sample of 22 physically active and healthy elderly (age M t1 = 66.00) originates in an earlier skiing intervention study following a longitudinal study design with four time points of measurement over a period of 6 years. Self‐reports on physical self‐concept (PSK), general self‐esteem and self‐efficacy, and an activity index were assessed and compared to physical fitness data (VO 2max and muscle strength). Significant time effects (over 6 years) were obtained with respect to global physical self‐concept, endurance (PSK), and VO 2max. Muscle strength turned out to be stable over time. The positive correlations between VO 2max and the corresponding self‐concept evaluation of endurance abilities diminished across the 6 years. Self‐esteem correlated with the PSK scales and VO 2max. In contrast to our expectation, self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, and activity level hardly predicted changes in the PSK scales, VO 2max, and physical strength. Although VO 2max and some parameters of the physical self‐concept declined over the 6 years, results indicate that physical self‐concept, self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, physical fitness, and physical activity display a complex pattern. The decrease in self‐perception measured by the correlation of PSK and physical fitness suggests that self‐concept of old adults is not sensitive to changes in physical fitness.

Physical Self-Concept Changes in Adults and Older Adults: Influence of Emotional Intelligence, Intrinsic Motivation and Sports Habits

“…These results are in line with those obtained in the few existing studies with the older population, both longitudinal [30,31] and transversal [32][33][34]. Based on this and previous research on PSC carried out with younger populations [32,60,65,66], we suggest that PSC throughout lifespan behaves in the shape of an inverted U, developing from infancy to the beginning of adulthood, followed by a period of stability until the age of 40-50, and then decreasing, first slowly, and sharply from the age of 70, concurring with the biological stage of the greatest loss of muscle strength, mobility and functional capacity [8,67,68].…”

“…In studies that have addressed this issue in adulthood and old age, the results are inconsistent. Some prominent longitudinal studies, such as Amesberguer et al [30], Finkenzeller et al [31], or Sweeney et al [19], show that PSC is stable or slightly decreasing. Among the cross-sectional studies reviewed, Esnaola [32] reported an increase in PSC with age, while Infante et al [33], Molero et al [34], and Putnick et al [35], reported that it remains stable.…”

Older Adults’ Perceptions of the Usefulness of Technologies for Engaging in Physical Activity: Using Focus Groups to Explore Physical Literacy

“…While older adults may have ceased regular PA engagement or believe they would not be able to partake in PA, participation in such technology-based experiences can give them a sense of involvement in physical exercise and "keeping up" with modern times. Older adults' behaviors tend to remain in patterns that were perceived as constructive in the past [51]. According to Whitehead [29] (pp.…”

The biological and psychosocial aspects of successful aging in high functional elders: A longitudinal study

“…However, the limited number of subjects included in the analysis combined with the intrinsic variability of the psychological tests applied should be considered when interpreting these results. In a third manuscript, Amesberger et al focus on long‐term changes in parameters of self‐perception (ie, physical self‐concept, self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy), physical activity, and its relationship to physical fitness of healthy and active old adults, revealing a complex interaction between self‐perception variables, fitness, and aging. In the fourth manuscript, Pötzelsberger et al report the stability of muscle strength, muscle architecture, and patellar tendon mechanical properties after 6‐year follow‐up.…”