New Physical Conditioning Program in the Air Force Basic Training and its Effects on Female Recruits

摘要

The physical conditioning (PC) program in Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) was changed in 1995 from a 'one size fits all' approach of running in formation and group calisthenics to an individually tailored physical regimen designed to encourage long-term participation in exercise and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Prior to the implementation of the new PC program, a study was conducted to compare fitness levels, injury rates, and motivation to exercise among 2,547 male recruits and 701 female recruits randomly assigned to the old and new PC programs. The study showed that female recruits in the new PC program posted greater reductions in their 2-mile run times than those in the old PC program. Differences between the two PC program were most pronounced among those who were able to meet Air Force run-time standards at the start of BMT. Despite more rigorous training in the new PC program, the injury rates between the two PC programs were not significantly different. The new PC program did not significantly affect attrition rates among female participants. Instead, the study found that female recruits who began BMT with a positive attitude toward exercise and who exercised regularly prior to the start of BMT graduated at significantly higher rates than those who were unmotivated and unprepared.