-1EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In todays ever changing society, exercise plays an important role in maintaining good health. We all have our fitness goals - strength training, weight reduction or body contouring. A good cardiovascular exercise routine can get the adrenalin pumping, or you can take on a yoga exercise program that can do wonders for your body and mind. Even persons suffering from diseases such as diabetes or hypertension would do well to undertake an exercise regimen that has been planned with keeping their health condition in mind. Findings Based on the results of the survey of the overall attitude of the military was that they perceived exercise as extremely important which was noted when an overall mean of 9.15 was calculated (10 being the highest). The attitudes of non military personnel was perceived as somewhat important with an overall mean of 5.4 (the highest being 10). The preference for a particular exercise varied between the military and non military, with the military showing greater preference for strength training while the non military showed preference for aerobics Implications This report sought to show that if we continue on this trend of no exercise or very little exercise, the implications are that the members of the general population (non military) run the risk of being more exposed to lifestyle diseases, whereas the military appeared to be physically conditioned and better able to lead healthier lifestyles. Recommendation My recommendations are twofold,firstly, that we as a population need to get involved in exercises that will promote a healthier lifestyle such as those that improve cardiovascular fitness, and secondly that persons in authority, managers, business owners ensure and encourage employees to participate in the exercises needed to keep them healthy, both in mind and body.

-21. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background

This study seeks to compare the attitudes of physical exercise and fitness of military and non military personnel and their participation in different types of exercises.

1.2

Purpose
The primary endpoint of the study is to survey military and non-military personnel with respect to their attitude and interest in exercise and physical fitness

1.3

Research Questions
(i) (ii) What types of exercises do military and non-military personnel participate in? What differences exist between military and non-military personnel in their attitudes to exercise and physical fitness?

1.4

Definitions
(i) Military For the purpose of this study, the term military refers to all persons in Trinidad and Tobago attached to the Defence Force, Fire Service, Police Service, Coast Guard. (ii) Non Military For the purpose of this study, the term non-military refers to person or persons following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member Defence Force, Fire Service, Police Service, Coast Guard.

-31.5 Limitations
The main constraint of this survey was designing of the questionnaire to facilitate both military and non military personnel in a non biased way and the collection in a timely manner so as to facilitate the completion of this project

2. METHODOLOGY 2.1 How Data was Collected

The research instrument used in this study was a structured questionnaire. Structured questionnaires are those questionnaire in which there are predetermined questions relating to the aspect for which the researcher collects data. The questions are presented with exactly the same wording and in the same order to all the respondents.

2.2

How the Sample was Selected

Data were collected from subjects who were chosen from members of the military and civilian population using a questionnaire, which was completed by fifty (50) civilian personnel of all ages, and fifty (50) military personnel from the Fire Service, Police Service and Coast Guard/Army between the ages of 18 and 60.

2.3

Data Analysis Techniques used

The analysis of the data was done using tables and the calculation of mean, , frequency, frequency distribution variance and standard deviation to determine trends, similarities and differences.

-43 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS QUESTIONS

3.1 What types of exercises do military and non-military personnel participate in? (Appendix A) MILITARY Military physical training was found to be distinctly different from civilian training because the exercises are designed to be applied towards real-life military situations. Training might be done in settings that will depict real life conditions, with great emphasis being placed on strength training such as, triceps extension, bicep curl, abdominal curl and abdominal crunch. The militarys attitude is one of extreme importance since studies have shown that it has a direct impact on their readiness, for battle if they are army or coast guard, fighting fires if they are in the fire service or maintaining law and order if they are police officers. The main component of fitness tests as well as real-world physical exertion is strength training and stamina training for example long distance walking and running. Strength training is incorporated with weights or circuit training which helps military members increase their overall muscle endurance and cardio fitness. Army fitness workouts are much different than the workouts of the average gym person or non military person, since regular training is geared toward upper body, abdominal and cardiovascular fitness. Not only are physically fit military personnel essential to the stability of a country they are also more likely to have enjoyable, productive lives.

-5Question 1 contd.. NON MILITARY The types of physical activity which non military persons participate in, may include non structured activities such as walking, jogging, strength training, or sports and whatever daily activities that fits into their schedule for example, weight loss or moderate-intensity aerobic activity a few times per week. One typical physical activity was participating in aerobic activities, which included any activity that would you to breathe hard and increases your heart rate for a sustained period of time, and can included cycling, running and swimming and brisk walking The range of fitness exercise equipment available these days is mindboggling. You can invest in a home gym, space and budget permitting. The exercise treadmill continues to remain the all-time favourite with exercise enthusiasts. The exercise bike is a stationary exercise machine that can provide you with the workout you desire. The rowing machine, elliptical trainer, exercise ball and stepper are other important constituents of any gym. Abdominal exercise equipment is widely available these days online stores, catalogs and used equipment stores. Dumbbells and free weights are simple exercises that can help further your fitness goals.

-83.2 What are the attitudes to exercise and physical fitness of military and non-military personnel. (Appendix B) Military fitness workouts have been developed in which the average person may not be able to cope, eg bench press, weight lifting and doing squats and other forms of strength training. The main focus o f military fitness workouts are to prepare the officers to be physically ready for any situation. The big three the army focuses on are push-ups, sit-ups and cardiovascular fitness. There are other exercises that are done on a weekly basis in most units. Non military physical fitness is closely associated with quality of life. Physical fitness is associated with well as well-being, body composition reduction of excess body fat. While the common goal for both participants is to get fit, build strength and stay in shape, although the methods of achieving these goals vary dramatically, the main difference between military and non military is that the military needs to be fit and ready at all time

-9-

3.2.1 Attitudes to Exercise and Fitness

Based on the range of mean,9.15 (TABLE 1.B refers), where 1 3 indicates a scale of NOT IMPORTANT, 4 7 indicates SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT and 8- 10, extremely important, exercises are perceived as extremely important. When compared to non military, the standard deviation (s.d.) showed a greater variation in Body fat weight loss with s.d of 2.0 and Improve performance for a specific sport or activity with s.d of 1.5. This attitude showed that hat there was a consensus among the majority of military personnel as to the extreme importance in the attitudes to exercise. Based on the range of mean5.35, (TABLE 1.C refers), where 1 3 indicates a scale of NOT IMPORTANT, 4 7 indicates SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT and 8- 10, extremely important, exercises are not perceived as important, when compared to the military, with a lower mean boundary falling between NOT IMPORTANT and SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT. The s.d shows relatively more variation ranging from 1.6 to 3.5

Reasons why exercise is considered extremely important, because it is a core aspect of military life, whereas, for the non military it is not core for job descriptions.

-63.1.1 DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS ON TYPES OF EXERCISES Based on the data (Table 1.A) In todays every changing society who are become quite health conscious, exercise plays an important role in maintaining good health. We all have our fitness goals strength training, weight reduction or body contouring etc. There were a number of observations drawn, some exercises that were dominated by the military participants, more so than the non military participants. Strength training showed an extremely high percentage frequency with 34% of the participants, while only 6% was recorded for the same activity with the non military participants. Stronger preference for swimming was also noted with the military with 12%, while non military recorded on 4%. The non military participants dominance for traditional aerobics was noticeably higher with 22% as opposed to the military participants with 2%. Another significant difference was the non military participants preference for both stationary biking and biking with percentages of 16% respectively as opposed to the military participants of 4%. Similar patterns however were noticeable with certain activities, with both military and non military participants showing identical percentages for activities like cycling, 8% and stair climbing 4% , yoga/ pilates 2%, and most noticeable with 0% for elliptical striding.

-7-

3.1.2 TABLE 1.A FREQUENCY TABLE FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL Types

Walking Cycling Stationary Biking Stair Climbing Jogging Traditional Aerobics Elliptical Striding Swimming Strength Training Racquet Sports Yoga/ Pilates Other Aerobic Biking 7 4 2 2 7 1 0 6 17 1 1 2 2

Military Frequency % Frequency

14% 8% 4% 4% 14% 2% 0% 12% 34% 2% 2% 4% 4% 10 4 8 2 8 11 0 2 3 0 1 1 8

Non -Military
Frequency

% Frequency
20% 8% 16% 4% 16% 22% 0% 4% 6% 0% 2% 2% 16%

-124. CONCLUSION

Based on the collection and summarisation of data, the results indicated non military personnels preference for a wider variety of fitness activities, primarily for general health and well being for example, walking jogging, aerobics. The military on the other hand, showed a difference in the level of challenge in physical exercise, geared towards increased strength training and body fat loss. Both sets of participants felt that reshaping and toning the body were equally important, with the militarys focus on strength training while non military focused on general fitness with aerobics. Exercise is important to us as a society as a whole, and if we are to ensure that we maintain good health and reduce the number of lifestyle diseases, we need to have a more positive attitude to exercise as is already the case with military. This needs to be addressed by the non military personnel whose attitude was somewhat important. There is a renewed nationwide interest in fitness has been accompanied by many research studies on the effects of regular participation in sound physical fitness programs. The overwhelming conclusion is that such programs enhance a persons quality of life, improve productivity, and bring about positive physical and mental changes.

3.2.2 TABLE 1.B

-10SURVEY OF MILITARY PERSONNEL

ATTITUDES

NOT IMPORTANT 1 2 3

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT 4 5 6 7

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT 8 9 4 10 2 9.3 8.4 3 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 4 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 9.5 8.2 9.7 9.0 9.0 9.5 9.5 9.0 9.5 100.6 .92 4.0 1.0 2.2 0.3 0.8 2.0 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.5 .96 2.0 1.0 1.5 0.6 0.9 1.4 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.7 10.96 MEAN VAR S.D

Improve cardiovascular fitness Body-fat weight loss Reshape or tone my body Improve performance for a specific sport or activity Improve moods and ability to cope with stress Improve flexibility Increase strength Increase energy level Feel better Enjoyment Other

1 1

X rating (1-10)

f (no of persons)

Grouped Sample (calculated to 1 decimal. place)

= = x

Variance(VAR) = = (x- ) n-1

Standard Deviation (sd) = (x- )

n-1

3.2.3 TABLE 1.C -11SURVEY OF NON MILITARY PERSONNEL

GOALS NOT IMPORTANT 1
Improve cardiovascular fitness Body-fat weight loss Reshape or tone my body Improve performance for a specific sport or activity Improve moods and ability to cope with stress Improve flexibility Increase strength Increase energy level Feel better Enjoyment Other 3 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 3 1 1 1

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT 4
2 2 3

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT 7 8
2 1 1

MEAN 10
3.5

VAR
3.0 3.2 4.9 5.4 2.7 3 12.5 7 0.25 0.5 0.92

S.D
1.7 1.8 2.2 2.3 1.6 1.7 3.5 2.6 0.5 0.7 0.96 19.56

2
2

5
2

6
2

6.0 4.6 4.5 3.7 3.0 6.5 6.0 4.5 4 4.6 58.9

X rating (1-10)

f (no of persons)

Grouped Sample (calculated to 1 decimal. place)

= = x

Variance(VAR) = = (x- ) n-1

Standard Deviation (sd) = (x- )

n-1

Appendix A TABLE A GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION - HISTOGRAM Comparison of participants attitudes to exercise

8 7

SUMMARY
6 5 4 3 2 1 0

TYPE OF EXERCISE Walking Cycling Stationary Biking Stair Climbing Jogging Traditional Aerobics Elliptical Striding Swimming Strength Training Racquet Sports Yoga/ Pilates

NON MILITARY MILITARY 7 4 2 2 7 1 0 6 17 1 1 10 4 8 2 8 11 0 2 3 0 1

SUMMARY comparision of participants attitudes to exercise MILITARY SUMMARY comparision of participants attitudes to exercise NON MILITARY

Appendix A TABLE B GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION - HISTOGRAM Comparison of Military and Military to Different types of exercise

18 16 14 12 10 8

SUMMARY MILITARY
SUMMARY NON MILITARY

6
4 2 0

TABLEOF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements Executive Summary ...........................................................................................

ix 1

1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 2 1.1 Background 1.2 Purpose of the Study 1.3 Research Questions 1.4 Definitions 1.5 Limitations 2. Methodology ........................................................................................................ 2.1 How data was Collected 2.2 How the Sample was Selected 3.3 Data Analysis Techniques Used 3

3. Results and Discussions .................................................................................... 3.1 Question 1 3.1.1 Descriptive Analysis on Types of Exercises 3.1.2 Table (1.A) Frequency table for military personnel 3.2. Question 2 3.2.1 Attitudes to Exercise and Fitness 3.2.2 Table 1.B Survey of Military Personnel 3.2.3 Table 1.C Survey of nonMilitary Personnel 4. Conclusion ............................................................................................................ Appendix A ............................................................................................................ Appendix B ............................................................................................................

12 13 14

INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS

GROUP PROJECT