Effectiveness of a Navy remedial exercise intervention

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Navy remedial exercise program (REP) in improving the physical fitness levels of its participants. Subjects were 27 Navy personnel assigned to a Northeast naval air station who had failed to pass either the body composition (circumference measures) or aerobic fitness (1.5-mile run/walk) portion of the semiannual physical readiness test. The REP consisted of three 1-hour supervised exercise sessions per week for 16 weeks, with primary emphasis on running and walking. Paired t tests revealed that the REP was effective in reducing body weight (-3.1%) and body fat (mean absolute loss of 2.7%) and in improving 1.5-mile run/walk time (-6.2%). No changes were seen in muscular endurance measures (2-minute push-ups, 2-minute curl-ups). Findings from this study indicate that improvements in PF can be attained through a 16-week Navy remedial exercise program.