The relationship between perceived physical fitness and actual physical fitness in military personnel

Background and Aim: Studies in sport, exercise and physical activity have shown that self-perceived physical fitness is an important predictor of behavior and plays an important role in continuing or stopping physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived and actual physical fitness in military personnel.        Methods: A total of 77 military personnel were selected randomly and divided to four groups (group 1: 20‒30 years, group 2: 31‒40 years, group 3: 41‒50 years and group 4: 51‒60 years). Participants completed the questionnaire of study in 4 parts: personal information, self-perceived physical fitness scale, short form of Marsh Physical Self-Description Questionnaire and mental toughness questionnaire. Physical fitness tests were then performed according to the questionnaires. Results: The mean age of military staff was 38 years, the average height was 175 cm, and the average weight was 78 kg. There was a significant correlation between perceived and actual physical fitness. But this correlation was significant only in group 2 (31‒40 years). There was also a significant correlation between perceived physical conditions, perceived muscular condition and perceived physical scale in comparison with actual conditions. The correlation coefficient between perceived muscular condition and actual condition was higher than the other subscales. There was no significant relationship between perceived flexibility and actual flexibility. Partial correlation also showed that the relationship between self-perceived physical fitness and actual physical fitness is affected by mental toughness, physical self-perceived and level of physical activity. Conclusion: There is a relationship between perceived and actual physical fitness, but this relationship is not equal in all subscales. Perceived physical fitness is affected by age, psychological characteristics and the level of physical activity. It is necessary to consider perceived physical fitness according to importance of self-perceived in life.