Physical fitness decline and career paths: a longitudinal study of medical undergraduates.
BMC Med Educ
; 24(1): 513, 2024 May 08.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38720325
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Exercise enhances one's health and competitiveness. A strong physical fitness status can pave the way for a promising future. This study presents the time-based trends in physical fitness indicators-including height, weight, BMI, lung capacity, dash, long-distance running, and standing long jump-among medical undergraduates during their university years. Additionally, we analyzed the impact of students' physical fitness on their career paths.METHOD:
We conducted a retrospective database study by collecting physical fitness test data and career paths information for 634 medical students from a university in southwestern China. These students graduated in 2022. The career paths included pursuits in further studies, employment, and unemployment. To detect differences in these aspects, we used the t-test and Chi-square test.RESULTS:
Our study indicates a significant declining trend in the physical fitness of medical students during their university years. The changes observed between the first and fourth tests are as follows Weight (kg) 58.52 ± 10.48 to 60.73 ± 12.07, P < 0.00 BMI (kg/m^2) 20.79 ± 2.74 to 21.24 ± 3.06, P < 0.00 50-m dash (s) 8.91 ± 0.99 to 9.25 ± 1.11, P < 0.00 Standing long jump (cm) 187.74 ± 30.98 to 182.59 ± 32.25, P < 0.00 800-m run for females (min) 3.84 ± 0.47 to 4.48 ± 0.85, P < 0.00 1000-m run for males (min) 3.98 ± 0.63 to 4.62 ± 0.87, P < 0.00 Sit-ups for females (count) 30.39 ± 7.5 to 29.03 ± 8.82, P < 0.00 Upon analyzing the correlation between changes in physical fitness and career paths, students with stable or decreased BMI had better post-graduation outcomes compared to students with increased BMI.CONCLUSIONS:
Medical students show a declining trend in physical fitness during their undergraduate years. A good physical health status is beneficial for achieving better career paths. Medical students should place greater emphasis on physical exercise during their time in school.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Estudantes de Medicina
/
Aptidão Física
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Med Educ
Assunto da revista:
EDUCACAO
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
China