Examining the Relationship Between Cardiovascular Endurance and Body Image with Emphasis on the Mediating Role of Sensation Seeking in Jiu-Jitsu and Karate Athletes

Subject Areas :

Mona Maghsoodiyan Far ¹ , Sirous FARSI ^{2 *} , omid karimipour ³

1 - Ph.D Student, Sport sciences Department, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran.
2 - Assistant, sport physiology, Islamic Azad university , marvdasht branch
3 - Ph.D Student in Sports Management, Sh.C., Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran

Received: 2025-08-16 Accepted : 2025-09-09 Published : 2025-10-28

Keywords: Cardiovascular Endurance, Sensation Seeking, Body Image, Martial Arts Athletes, Brazilian jiu-jitsu,

Abstract :

Abstract

Introduction: Body image, as a person’s mental and emotional perception of the appearance and function of their body, is considered one of the key components of mental health in athletes and can affect motivation, athletic performance, and even quality of life. This concept is influenced by a set of physiological, psychological, and social factors. Among these, physical fitness, especially cardiovascular endurance, as well as personality traits such as sensation seeking, play a prominent role. Martial arts athletes, due to the dynamic nature of their training and exposure to challenging situations, provide an appropriate context to examine this relationship. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between cardiovascular endurance, sensation seeking, and body image in martial arts athletes.

research methodology: This correlational-descriptive study employed multistage cluster sampling with 110 jiu-jitsu and karate athletes from Fars province. Data were collected using the Cooper test, Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale, and Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire. Analyses included Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling.

Findings: Cardiovascular endurance showed significant positive correlations with sensation seeking (r=0.32) and body image (r=0.39). Sensation seeking was also positively but weakly correlated with body image (r=0.21). Multiple regression indicated cardiovascular endurance as a stronger predictor of body image (β=0.31), while sensation seeking partially mediated this relationship.

Conclusion: : Findings highlight that both cardiovascular endurance and sensation seeking contribute to shaping body image, with endurance having a stronger effect. It is recommended that martial arts training programs enhance aerobic fitness while providing varied, stimulating activities to improve athletes’ physical and psychological well-being.

 

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