The Impact of a 10-Week Military Training Course on Saudi Medical Recruits' Fitness and Physical Activity Levels

Background In preparation for military service, new recruits undergo a physical transformation. We aimed to determine the fitness outcomes and self-reported activity levels of Saudi medical recruits after a 10-week initial military training course (IMTC). Methods The cohort comprised 104 recruits aged 25-29 years. Anthropometric variables, including height, body mass index (BMI), body weight (BW), percent body fat (%BF), lean body mass (LBM), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), were assessed pre-IMTC and post-IMTC. Physical fitness assessments, including a one-minute sit-up test, push-up test, Cooper's 12-minute run/walk test, and relative maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2) max), were also evaluated. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess self-reported physical activity. Results We found a significant decrease in anthropometric variables following the course, including BW (P = 0.01), BMI (P = 0.01), %BF (P = 0.002), LBM (P = 0.01), WC (P = 0.005), and WtHR (P = 0.003). They also showed significant improvements in the push-up test (P = 0.001), one-minute sit-up test (P = 0.001), 12-minute test (P = 0.001), and relative VO(2) max (P = 0.001). The comparison of pre-IPAQ with post-IPAQ demonstrated a percentage improvement in walking activity (15%-82%) and vigorous physical activity (17%-49%) after joining the IMTC. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that Saudi medical recruits who partake in the IMTC can attain significant improvements in their body composition, physical fitness, and physical activity levels.