A prospective cohort study on the impact of a modified Basic Military Training (mBMT) programme based on pre-enlistment fitness stratification amongst Asian military enlistees.
BACKGROUND
This study objectively evaluates the effectiveness of a 6-week Preparatory Training Phase (PTP) programme prior to Basic Military Training (BMT) for less physically conditioned conscripts in the Singapore Armed Forces.


METHODS
We compared exercise test results of a group of less fi t recruits who underwent a 16-week modified-BMT (mBMT) programme (consisting of a 6-week PTP and 10-week BMT phase) with their 'fitter' counterparts enlisted in the traditional 10-week direct-intake BMT (dBMT) programme in this prospective cohort study consisting of 36 subjects. The main outcome measures included cardiopulmonary responses parameters (VO(2)max and V(O2AT)) with clinical exercise testing and distance run timings.


RESULTS
Although starting off at a lower baseline in terms of physical fitness [VO(2)max 1.73 +/- 0.27 L/min (mBMT group) vs 1.97 +/- 0.43 L/min (dBMT), P = 0.032; V(O2AT) 1.02 +/- 0.19 vs 1.14 +/- 0.32 L/min respectively, P = 0.147], the mBMT group had greater improvement in cardiopulmonary indices and physical performance profiles than the dBMT cohort as determined by cardiopulmonary exercise testing [VO(2)max 2.34 +/- 0.24 (mBMT) vs 2.36 +/- 0.36 L/min (dBMT), P = 0.085; V(O2AT) 1.22 +/- 0.17 vs 1.21 +/- 0.24 L/min respectively, P = 0.303] and 2.4 kilometres timed-run [mBMT group 816.1 sec (pre-BMT) vs 611.1 sec (post-BMT), dBMT group 703.8 sec vs 577.7 sec, respectively; overall P value 0.613] at the end of the training period. Initial mean difference in fitness between mBMT and dBMT groups on enlistment was negated upon graduation from BMT.


CONCLUSIONS
Pre-enlistment fitness stratification with training modification in a progressive albeit longer BMT programme for less-conditioned conscripts appears efficacious when measured by resultant physical fitness.
Chai
Louis Y A
LY
Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore. Chailouis@hotmail.com
Ong
Kian Chung
KC
Kee
Adrian
A
Earnest
Arul
A
Lim
Fabian C L
FC
Wong
John C M
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D044466:Asian People; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D012846:Singapore; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult