Physical Fitness and Self-Reported Physical Exercise among College Men and Women in 1987 and 1997

The study examined the relations of self-reported physical activity levels and physical fitness scores for two samples of college students assessed in 1987 (n=261) and in 1997 (n=243). Significantly greater exercise was reported by the 1997 women than the 1987 women; amount of exercise reported by men did not differ. For both samples, greater exercise was associated with increased Fitness for women and men as assessed by the Hall 1986 Physical Fitness Test Profile, comprised of measures on body fat composition; grip strength; muscle endurance, flexibility, resting heart rate; systolic and diastolic blood pressures; and aerobic power. For the 1987 sample men were more fit than women. For the 1997 sample, women were more Fit than men. The 1997 women were more fit than the 1987 women; there was no difference on overall fitness measures of the two samples of men.