title: Effect of Mandatory Unit and Individual Physical Training on Fitness in Military Men and Women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to look at the effect of additional individual physical training (PT) in addition to mandatory unit PT as well as other risk factors on physical fitness.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional design.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was conducted on a US military installation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 6290 male and 558 female active duty US Army soldiers in 3 light infantry brigades.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants completed self-administered questionnaires asking about individual characteristics, PT, and physical fitness. Cut points were established for soldiers scoring within the top 33% for each of the 3 Army Physical Fitness Test events (2-mile run, sit-ups, and push-ups) and top 50% in each of the tests combined for overall performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals from multivariate analyses were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Variables impacting physical fitness performance of men and women included increased body mass index, leading unit PT sessions, and individual distance running mileage. Other variables impacting physical performance for men included increased age, smoking, and individual resistance training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Soldiers performing additional individual PT demonstrated a positive influence on fitness compared to unit PT participation alone. Increased age and being overweight/obese negatively influenced physical fitness. To enhance fitness performance through unit PT, running by ability groups and resistance training should be encouraged by leadership.
authors.affiliation: 1 Army Public Health Center, Injury Prevention Division, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Morgan K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: 1 Army Public Health Center, Injury Prevention Division, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Tyson
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Grier
authors.affiliation: 1 Army Public Health Center, Injury Prevention Division, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Canham-Chervak
authors.affiliation: 1 Army Public Health Center, Injury Prevention Division, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Timothy T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Bushman
authors.affiliation: 1 Army Public Health Center, Injury Prevention Division, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Bradley C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Nindl
authors.affiliation: 1 Army Public Health Center, Injury Prevention Division, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Bruce H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010809:Physical Fitness; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: and women; fitness; men; military; physical activity; physical performance