Changes in Physical Fitness and Anthropometric of
Medical Cadets Over Their Study Period in
Phramongkutklao College of Medicine
Phunphen Napradit MSc*,
Panadda Hatthachote PhD*
Affiliation :
* Department of Physiology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To assess changes in physical fitness level and anthropometric characteristics of medical cadets in Phramongkutklao
College of Medicine (PCM).
Material and Method: A prospective study was conducted in 73 male and 20 female medical cadets at PCM during their
study through medical education between April 2008 and July 2012. Anthropometric measurement and physical fitness test
were performed at initial, preclinical year, and clinical year including body weight, height, waist-hip circumference, body
mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), % body fat, grip and leg strength, maximal oxygen
uptake (VO2 max), 2-minute push-ups, 2-minute sit-ups, and 2-kilometer run for time.
Results : Through the course of medical education, significant increase (p<0.05) in body weight, height, waist circumference,
hip circumference, BMI, WHR, WHtR, and % body fat were detected. The increments in body weight and BMI in males were
greater than in females. When compared to initial fitness, medical cadets in preclinical year could improve physical fitness
variables with statistical significance reported in VO2 max, numbers of push-ups, sit-ups, and 2-kilometer run. When compared
to preclinical year, VO2max was significant decreased and run time was significant increased in clinical year (p<0.05).
Conclusion : Male medical cadets tended to gain more weight over the four years spent at PCM. Health-related physical
fitness of medical cadet improved in preclinical year and cardiorespiratory fitness declined in clinical year. To establish
motivation to have regular physical activity in medical student, physical fitness test and anthropometric measurement should
be integrated into the medical student’s curriculum.
Keywords : Health-related physical fitness, Anthropometric, Medical cadet, Medical education
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