Perceived fitness and responses to laboratory induced stress

This study sought to evaluate the contribution of perceived physical fitnes s beyond the contributions of gender; body mass index (BMI), and estimated actual physical fitness on both physiological and self-reported stress resp onsivity to laboratory induced stress. Seventy-two nonsymptomatic participa nts participated in the experiment. Participants completed a laboratory pro cedure measuring cardiovascular responses and self-reported rating of calmn ess while performing stressful laboratory tasks. Estimated aerobic fitness (VO2 (max)) as well as perceived fitness were also determined Perceived fit ness significantly contributed to the variance associated with self-reporte d responses to laboratory stress as well as with some of the physiological measures. Perceived fitness significantly added to the variance beyond that attributed to gender body mass, and estimated actual physical fitness whil e assessing systolic blood pressure and calmness. Overall, the results supp ort the view that perception of fitness may be an important factor above an d beyond aerobic fitness in its association with responses to stress.