title: Physical fitness and academic performance: a pilot investigation in USU medical students.
abstract: This study examined the correlations between physical fitness parameters and standard measures of academic performance in a cohort of students at the Uniformed Services University. Significant positive correlations were noted between the average aerobic fitness score and preclerkship grade point average (GPA; r = 0.37, p < 0.05) and cumulative GPA (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). Positive correlations were also noted between the average overall fitness score and preclerkship GPA (r = 0.34, p < 0.05), medical school cumulative GPA (r = 0.34, p < 0.05), and the score on Step 1 of the national board examination (r = -0.33, p < 0.05). Physical fitness may serve as one indicator to predict which students will succeed in medical school and to identify those who are at risk for poor performance and might benefit from a wellness intervention.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
authors: Mark B
authors: MB
authors: Stephens
authors: Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
authors: Ting
authors: T
authors: Dong
authors: Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
authors: Steven J
authors: SJ
authors: Durning
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012577:Schools, Medical; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States