Author(s): PIHLAINEN, K., RAITANEN, J., VAARA, J., OJANEN, T., KYRÖLÄINEN, H., SANTTILA, M., VASANKARI, T., Institution: FINNISH DEFENCE FORCES, Country: FINLAND, Abstract-ID: 1768

INTRODUCTION:
Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness level of young adults has decreased and mean body mass increased throughout the last few decades in the western countries. More detailed information on geographical variation in these health indicators might be useful for regional health promotion. Thus, the aim of our study was to compare regional differences in cardiorespiratory and muscle fitness as well as body mass index (BMI) of young Finnish men between the years 2012–2016 and 2017–2021.
METHODS:
All available data of conscript register consisting of physical fitness test (12-min running test, standing long jump, 1-min push-up, 1-min sit-up) and body anthropometry (body mass, stature) variables from 214 063 healthy young men, including their place of residence at the time of conscription, were analysed retrospectively. Places of residences were divided into three area types, Urban, Peri-urban and Rural, based on classification system provided by the Finnish Environment Institute. Standard statistical methods, including one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were performed to compare the effect of area types on cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and Pearson correlations were calculated to study relationships between population density of the place of residence and physical performance.
RESULTS:
Significant regional differences, favouring individuals living in urban areas of Finland, were observed in mean values during and between the follow-up years. Comparing the years 2012–2016 and 2017–2021, significantly higher proportions of individuals with low maximal oxygen uptake (11.9% vs. 17.8%, p<0.001) and muscular fitness level (12.2% vs. 14.7%, p<0.001) were observed during 2017–2021 in the rural areas, while respective differences were not observed between urban and semi-urban areas. In addition, higher prevalence both for overweight (36.3% vs. 33.7%, p<0.001) and obesity (10.6% vs. 8.4%, p<0.001) were observed among rural compared to urban areas. However, the correlations between municipal population density and BMI as well as the physical performance variables were lower than r=0.08 during both time periods (2012–2016 and 2017–2021).
CONCLUSION:
The present study confirmed that regional variation exists both in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, as well as in BMI among young Finnish men, indicating poorer results among rural areas. In addition, the prevalences of poor cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and excess body weight of young men have increased between the follow-up years, especially in the rural regions of Finland. Tailored physical activity promotions are required to enhance fitness level in young men living in rural areas which are characterized with poorer training facilities and longer distances to sports services.