Comparison of Selected Physiological and Personality Variables in Regular and Nonregular Adult Male Exercisers

The purpose of this study was to compare regular and nonregular adult exercisers on selected physiological and personality measures over a four-year period. Forty-eight participants in the 1971 Purdue Adult Fitness Program were retested four years later. As a result three groups of 16 subjects each were established, based on responses to an Exercise and Leisure Questionnaire. Relevant physiological data were collected and physical fitness scores were obtained for each subject using the criterion of Ismail and others. Personality traits were assessed using the same form of the Cattell 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire as both pre- and posttests. The data were analyzed at both test periods using the ANOVA technique. The effect of different activity levels was assessed by several fitness parameters such as percent lean body weight, resting and submaximal heart rates, submaximal RQ, [Vdot]O2 max, and physical fitness score. The two regularly active groups increased significantly in physical fitness over the four-year period. At both test periods the regularly active group was significantly more confident (Factor O) than the other two groups, indicating that the relationship between physical fitness and self-confidence is stable.