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The Association between Physical Fitness Performance and Subjective Happiness among Taiwanese Adults

Author

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  • Hui-Ling Chen

    (Graduate Institute of Educational Leadership and Development, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan)

  • Po-Fu Lee

    (Graduate Institute of Sport Coaching Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei City 111, Taiwan
    Department of Physical Education, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan)

  • Yun-Chi Chang

    (Department of Physical Education, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
    Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan)

  • Fu-Shu Hsu

    (Department of Physical Education, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan)

  • Ching-Yu Tseng

    (Department of Physical Education, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
    Research and Development Center for Physical Education, Health, and Information Technology, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan)

  • Xin-Yu Hsieh

    (Department of Physical Education, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan)

  • Chien-Chang Ho

    (Department of Physical Education, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
    Research and Development Center for Physical Education, Health, and Information Technology, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan)

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine the association between health-related physical fitness (HRPF) performance and perceived happiness status among adults in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data derived from the National Physical Fitness Survey in Taiwan 2014–2015 were reviewed. The participants included 27,930 men and 30,885 women, aged 23 to 64 years. Each participant completed a standardized, structured questionnaire and underwent anthropometric variable and HRPF measurements. The happiness outcome of an individual was obtained using the questionnaire, and the results were stratified into happy (very happy, quite happy, and fair) and unhappy (unhappy and not at all happy) groups for perceived happiness status. HRPF measurements were evaluated using cardiorespiratory endurance (3 min step test), muscle strength and endurance (1 min sit-up test), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), and body composition (body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio). To determine the existence of a dose–response relationship between HRPF component levels and happiness status, four quartiles of HRPF components were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that with the worst performance level of HRPF components as a baseline, significant associations were observed for the sit-and-reach test (third level: OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.02–1.49) and BMI (second level: OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64–0.95) among men. For women, significant associations were observed for the 1 min sit-up test (second level: OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.03–1.60; third level: OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.04–1.67; fourth (the best) level: OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12–1.95) and BMI (third level: OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58–0.92). The current study suggested that higher values in flexibility and body composition, happiness-related factors, potentially improve the occurrence of happiness among men. Moreover, this positive effect of higher values of muscle strength, endurance, and BMI was observed for the occurrence of happiness in women. However, the relevant mechanism underlying this phenomenon must be further explored.

Suggested Citation

  • Hui-Ling Chen & Po-Fu Lee & Yun-Chi Chang & Fu-Shu Hsu & Ching-Yu Tseng & Xin-Yu Hsieh & Chien-Chang Ho, 2020. "The Association between Physical Fitness Performance and Subjective Happiness among Taiwanese Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:11:p:3774-:d:363181
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hsin-Han Chen & Hui-Ling Chen & Yi-Tien Lin & Chaou-Wen Lin & Chien-Chang Ho & Hsueh-Yi Lin & Po-Fu Lee, 2020. "The Associations between Functional Fitness Test Performance and Abdominal Obesity in Healthy Elderly People: Results from the National Physical Fitness Examination Survey in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Shih-Chang Chen & Chaou-Wen Lin & Po-Fu Lee & Hui-Ling Chen & Chien-Chang Ho, 2021. "Anthropometric Characteristics in Taiwanese Adults: Age and Gender Differences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-13, July.
    3. Agata Wypych-Ślusarska & Natalia Majer & Karolina Krupa-Kotara & Ewa Niewiadomska, 2023. "Active and Happy? Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction among Young Educated Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-12, February.

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