Decreases in Maximal Oxygen Uptake Among Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadets Following Three Months Without Mandatory Physical Training

Abstract

During the academic year, Army ROTC cadets are required to participate in mandatory physical training; however, during summer months training is not required. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a change in cadet VO2max after the summer when training is not mandatory. Participants completed a graded exercise treadmill test to determine their VO2max in late spring of 2010 and again in early fall of 2010. Results indicated that over a three-month break from mandatory physical training, a significant decrease in VO2max was seen for both genders in ROTC cadets.