8/19/2019 11302

1/11

QUEST

1991.43.296 306

A

Multidimensional Hierarchical

Model of Physical Fitness:

A Basis for Integration

and Collaboration

harles B

Corbin

For operational purposes physical development is characterized using a

multidimensional hierarchical model. Optimal physical development is de-

scribed as a combination of good physical fitness and a high level of skill

developm ent. Physical fitness has multiple subdim ensions of its own. Devel-

oping each subdimension requires regular physical activity which is not

likely to occur without the collaboration of many including the individual

family friends schools community and private agencies.

Over the years, physical fitness has come to mean many different things to

many different people. Often the meaning or definition of physical fitness is based

on the types of tests most commonly used to measure it. In the first section of this

paper, a brief history of physical fitness testing is presented to illustrate the evolution

of the meaning of physical fitness. As tests of fitness have changed, the definition

of physical fitness has evolved from a unidimensional to a multidimensional concept.

The second section is devoted to discussing the hierarchical nature of fitness.

A

case

is made for classifying the many different fitness dimensions within a hierarchy.

Because physical fitness is multidimensional, its development requires specific

attention to each of its many components. The third section of the paper is devoted

to a discussion of the specificity of fitness. Subsequently, a case is made for the

need to integrate the many parts of fitness to achieve total physical development,

the highest level in the hierarchy. The final section of the paperis devoted to dis-

cussing the need for collaboration in facilitating optimal development for all dirnen-

sions of physical fitness.

A

brief discussion of the roles of parents, schools,

community agencies, and other agents in the development of physical fitness is

presented.

The Multidimensionality of Physical Fitness

Clarke (1967) noted that definitions of fitness at the turn of the century and

in the early 1920s centered around muscle strength. Sargent s strength battery

About the Author

Charles

B.

Corbin is with the Department of Exercise Science

and Physical Education at Arizona State University Temp e AZ 85287.

8/19/2019 11302

2/11

8/19/2019 11302

3/11

8/19/2019 11302

4/11

  MODEL OF PHYSIC L FITNESS

Figure The physical domain: a multidimensional hierarchical model

Physiological fitness, as defined in a recent consensus statement Bouchard

et al. , 1990), is made up of such nonperformance components as blood pressure,

blood profiles, bone integrity, and so on. Each of these components has subcom-

ponents; for instance, blood pressure is made up of diastolic and systolic mea-

sures. Bouchard et al. 1990) included body composition in their category of

physiological fitness. Operationally, others Caspersen et al. , 1985; Pate, 1988),

including this author, have included body composition as a component of health-

related physical fitness.

Health-related physical fitness components, consistent with modern defini-

tions, include cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, strength, flexibility,

and body composition Caspersen et al ., 1985; Pate, 1988). Each component has

subcomponents; for example, isometric and isotonic strength are subcomponents

of strength. Skill-related fitness includes components such as agility, balance,

coordination, power, and reaction time, and each of these has its own subcompo-

nents Corbin Lindsey, 1991; Pate, 1988). Skill-related fitness is also fre-

quently referred to as motor fitness or athletic fitness because possession of its

components and subcomponents are principally related to success in skilled motor

performance and athletics.

8/19/2019 11302

5/11

8/19/2019 11302

6/11

8/19/2019 11302

7/11

8/19/2019 11302

8/11

8/19/2019 11302

9/11

8/19/2019 11302

10/11

8/19/2019 11302

11/11

306 COR IN

POW ELL, K.E., Thompson, P.D., Caspersen, C.J., Kendrick, J.S.

1987).

Physical

activity and the incidence of coronary heart disease.

Annual Review of Public Health,

8,

253-287.

ROSS, J.G., Pate, R.R ., Caspersen, C.J., Damberg, C.L., Svilar, M.

1987).

Home

and community in children s exercise habits.

Journal of Physical Education, Recreation

&Dance,

58, 85 92.

SALLIS, J.F. , McKenzie, T.L.

1991).

Physical education s role in public health.

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 62

124-137.

SALLIS, J.F., Patterson, T.L ., Buono, M. J., Nader, P.R. 1988). Relation of cardio-

vascular fitness and physical activity to cardiovascular disease in children and adults.

Journal of Epidemiology, 127,933-941.

SEEFE LDT, V., Vogel, P.

1987).

Children and fitness: A public health perspective:

response.

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport,

58, 33 1-333.

SIMONS -MORTO N, B.G., Parcel, G.S., O Hara, N.M.

1988).

Implementing orga-

nizational changes to promote healthful diet and activity at school.

Health Education

Quarterly,

15, 15-130.

STEINHAUS, A. 1963).

Toward an understanding of health and physical education.

Dubuque, IA: Wm. C . Brown.

TAG GER T, A.C ., Taggert, J., Siedentop, D.

1986).

Effects of a hom e-based activity

program: A study with low-fit elementary school children.

Behavior Modi cation,

10,

487-507.

UNIT ED States Public Health Service. 1991). Healthy people 2000. Washington,

DC:

Government Printing Office.