The relationship between cooper test and academic performance in National Defence University cadets
Year: 2012
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study was made in co-operation with the National Defence University (NDU), which educates officers to demanding peace and wartime tasks. A good officer student has good physical fitness and succeeds in military science studies. With the qualification NDU is searching for these qualities, for example by setting minimum requirement for cardiorespiratory fitness. \n \nThe aim of this study was to find out, is there a relationship with the measured cardiorespiratory fitness (cooper test) and academic performance in NDU in candidate state. The subjects were 531 cadets from the years 1999-2009 and the study was quantitative. The cadets represented army and sea forces and 22 of them were women. As covariates was used sex and academic background (high-school or vocational school). The study was made between May and November in 2012. The data was given by the archive of NDU and the study was made based on study permit and analysed statistically. \n \nIn this study the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and academic performance is weak in men. (r=0.1, p=0,033, N=510)In women there was no relationship. The result supports the earlier studies made with similar topics, where there was found a relationship. The weak correlation (r=0.10) can be explained with the good cardiorespiratory fitness level even within the weakest subjects. The reason can also be the fact that the test aims for certain qualification limit and it might be that prospects don’t try to do their best. The overall cardiorespiratory fitness is good, based on the reference values of Finnish Defence \nForces (FDF) (2,5/5). \n \nNDU: s sport facilities and services are excellent and available to cadets. The focus should be in increasing knowledge about the meaning of physical fitness and motivating cadets to maintain their cardiorespiratory fitness during the studies. The results of this study and former studies point out the positive effects of good cardiorespiratory fitness to cognitive functions. Good physical fitness and physical activity also have many positive effects on physical and mental health. The focus should be in the change of attitude towards exercise during studying or working hours, which could eventually increase the studying and learning efficiency. Every student should be encouraged to exercise, also during the day when studying. Being fit is good for health, but it can have also surprising values on other areas of life.
Source: Theseus (Ammattikorkeakoulujen)
Author: Marke Hietapakka
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1594848132