Longitudinal Trends and Gender Differences in Physical Fitness and LifestyleFactors in Career U.S. Navy Personnel (1983-1994)

摘要

This study examines long-term health and physical readiness trends in the U.S.Navy. Lifestyle questionnaires were mailed to all participants from baseline studies between 1983 and 1989 who were still on active duty in 1994. Commands provided body composition and Physical Readiness Test (PRT) scores for the participants. Two longitudinal cohorts were created an 8-year sample (N = 640) with matched data from 1986, 1989, and 1994; and an 11-year sample (N = 1,576), with data from 1983 and 1994. Analyses of both cohorts revealed significant improvements in physical fitness, exercise, lean body mass, dietary habits, and sleep, as well as significant decreases in tobacco and alcohol use and job stress. However, hypertension rates, percent body fat, and body mass index showed significant increases over time. Women's scores were significantly better than men's on a number of factors. Overall, these findings suggest that the Navy's health promotion efforts have had a significant positive impact on the health and fitness of career Navy personnel.