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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Health-related fitness in medical students: a curricular intervention in Bogota, Colombia

Authors: Diana C. Paez, Sebastián Cortés-Corrales, Mario A. Jimenez-Mora, Agustín Gutiérrez, Carlos M. Arango-Paternina, John Duperly

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a curricular intervention to promote health-related fitness (HRF) among medical students in Bogota, Colombia.

Method

The study was conducted between May 2014 and December 2015 as part of the medical physiology course, in which 208 medical students were enrolled.The curricular intervention included two lectures on physical activity (PA) and student-led group presentations on the physiological effects of exercise on human physiology. An academic incentive (10% of final grade) was given to students who reported and documented regular PA practice during the semester. This study assessed students’ HRF variables, perceptions of the curriculum intervention, and PA practices using quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Results

55% of the students were female, with a mean age of 19.5 years. Body fat, estimated maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), handgrip, and sit-up strength showed statistically significant improvements at the end of the intervention. Students reported that PA practice was positively influenced by the curriculum intervention, particularly the academic incentive and the HRF tests. Students reported a wide variety of PA practices, which were mainly done with friends, classmates, or family members. Lack of time was the main reported barrier to PA practice.

Conclusion

The curricular intervention was effective in improving HRF and promoting PA. It remains to be investigated whether these gains are sustained over time.
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Metadata
Title
Health-related fitness in medical students: a curricular intervention in Bogota, Colombia
Authors
Diana C. Paez
Sebastián Cortés-Corrales
Mario A. Jimenez-Mora
Agustín Gutiérrez
Carlos M. Arango-Paternina
John Duperly
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17748-y

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