Gender specificity in the correlation of strength and self-perceived level of physical activity across three age groups

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bellew, James W.^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Exercise Physiology, University of Kentucky, c/o Lexington Physical Therapy, 4101 Tates Creek Rd., Suite 158, Lexington, KY 40517, USA

Note: [] Tel.: +1 606 271-2887; Fax: +1 606 271-2889; E-mail: jwbmel@uky.campus.mci.net. The author is currently a doctoral candidate in Exercise Physiology at te University of Kentucky.

Abstract: Objective: To assess gender differences in the correlation between score on a questionnaire of self-perceived level of physical activity and rank on a test age-groups. Design: Sixty subjects in gender-age groups 20-29, 40-49, and 60-69 years of age. Each completed a self-assessment questionnaire of physical activity prior to isokinetic testing of quadriceps strength during concentric and eccentric conditions at 60 and 120 o .s-1. Ordinal rank on both the strength test and questionnaire were compared to determine whether self-assessment of activity correlated with rank on the strength test. Simple and multiple regression procedures were completed correlating gender, questionnaire score, and strength. Results: Gender specific results showed males rated themselves higher on the questionnaire (p = 0.02). Multiple regression revealed that questionnaire score and age were significantly correlated to rank on the strength test (p = 0.02) in males only. Simple regression failed to show significance between strength test rank and questionnaire score for either gender (p = 0.46). Similarly, no significant relationship was found between age and questionnaire score for either gender. Conclusion: Rank within gender-age group on a test of isokinetic strength may be predicted by age and total questionnaire score in male but nog females. Likewise, between gender differences exist as males consistently rate themselves more active than females.

Keywords: aging, physical activity, strength, gender

DOI: 10.3233/IES-1998-0018

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 61-66, 1998