Gender difference in the relationship between physical fitness and mental health

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical fitness and mental health in men and women. Twenty-five students (12 men and 13 women) aged 19 to 23 years participated in this study as subjects with low life stress who did not participate in competitive sports. Their physical fitness level was determined according to VO2max test results obtained using a cycle ergometer, and their mental health status according to the results of psychological measurement using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). In the men, there was significant correlation of VO2max with each of the POMS subscores for tension (r = -0.61), depression (r = -0.61), fatigue (r = -0.60), and total mood disturbance (r = -0.59), as well as with STAI state (r = -0.66) and trait (r = -0.76) anxiety scores. On the other hand, no similar correlation was found in the women. These results suggest that the relationship between physical fitness and mental health in men differs from that in women.