Changes in Physical Fitness and Program Utilization During Professional Military Education

Professional Military Education (PME) programs place significant time demands on service members, potentially limiting their ability to maintain physical readiness. This study examined changes in fitness across the PME academic cycle, adherence to Tailored Performance Plans (TPP), and the influence of behavioral and environmental factors on physical fitness.

Participants (n = 238) completed comprehensive fitness assessments at the beginning and end of a 10-month PME program. In between, they were offered optional TPPs involving 1-on-1 consultations and fitness support. Survey data were collected through a self-report demographic questionnaire.

Body fat percentage (β  =  2.38 ± 0.21%, P < .001), fat mass index (β  =  0.65 ± 0.09 kg m-2, P < .001), flexibility (β  =  1.25 ± 0.25 cm, P < .001), and plank (β  =  7.99 ± 2.83 s, P = .005) increased following the program, whereas fat-free mass index (β = -0.39 ± 0.08 kg m-2, P < .001), vertical jump height (β = -0.79 ± 0.29 cm, P = .007), and estimated VO2max (β = -0.88 ± 0.22 ml kg-1 min-1, P < .001) declined. TPP participation did not significantly alter these changes. However, a time × TPP interaction emerged for normalized grip strength (β  =  0.74 ± 0.31 kg/m2, P = .019), indicating maintenance of strength among TPP users although non-users declined. No dose-response relationships were detected between TPP session count and fitness changes.

BOLT participants demonstrated improvements in flexibility and core endurance but reductions in muscle mass, aerobic fitness, and explosive power. TPP engagement did not meaningfully modify these trends. Findings suggest supplemental TPP participation maintained certain neuromuscular outcomes but did not produce broad performance advantages across domains.