A1 Journal article (refereed)
Changes in physical fitness and anthropometrics differ between female and male recruits during the Finnish military service (2022)
Santtila, M., Pihlainen, K., Vaara, J., Tokola, K., & Kyröläinen, H. (2022). Changes in physical fitness and anthropometrics differ between female and male recruits during the Finnish military service. BMJ Military Health, 168(5), 337-342. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001513
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Santtila, M.; Pihlainen, K.; Vaara, J.; Tokola, K.; Kyröläinen, H.
Journal or series: BMJ Military Health
ISSN: 2633-3767
eISSN: 2633-3775
Publication year: 2022
Volume: 168
Issue number: 5
Pages range: 337-342
Publisher: BMJ Publishing
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001513
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/72612
Abstract
Methods: A total of 234 690 male and 3549 female recruits participated in fitness tests at the beginning and end of military service between 2005 and 2015. Anthropometric measurements were body mass, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Fitness tests consisted 12 min running, standing long jump, and sit-ups and push-ups.
Results: No changes were observed in anthropometrics, while both sexes improved most of the fitness test results. After adjustment for service time, branch, age, initial fitness test results, BMI and WC, improvement in running test performance was 158 m (95% CI 142 to 173, p≤0.001) greater in male than female recruits. Similarly, improvements were larger in male recruits for push-ups (5 reps/min, 95% CI 5 to 6, p≤0.001), sit-ups (2 reps/min, 95% CI 2 to 3, p≤0.001) and standing long jump (12 cm, 95% CI 11 to 13, p≤0.001) when compared with women.
Conclusions: The study revealed sex differences in adaptations to the standardised military training. Both male and female recruits improved their physical fitness, but smaller gains were observed in women using the same training programme. The mechanisms explaining sex differences in adaptations to military training, and whether tailored training programmes are needed specifically for female recruits to reduce sex differences during military service, warrants further studies.
Keywords: military education; training; physiological effects; physical fitness; performance (capacity); anthropometry; gender differences
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
