Author(s): MURA, M., METAIS, A., PIALOUX, V., HAUTIER, C., AOUIDAT, M., LOISEL, O., BODET, G., RODE, G., SCHLATTER, S., Institution: LUXEMBOURG INSTITUTE OF HEALTH, Country: LUXEMBOURG, Abstract-ID: 2038

Introduction: Medical studies are considered among the most demanding in the world. Students are subjected to constant pressure, with a heavy academic workload. To cope with this workload, many students engage in extensive study sessions while sitting. Academic pressures can also hinder their ability to maintain a balanced lifestyle that integrates physical activity (PA) practice into their daily routines. High levels of sedentary behaviour and low levels of PA can both have a negative impact on their quality of life and health. However, research on medical students remains limited (1-3), and studies utilizing multi-modal assessments of sedentary behaviour, PA, and fitness are necessary to provide a comprehensive overview of the issue.

Method: This study is the first step of a larger project called PROMESS (IRB2023070401) in which 4th and 5th year medical students were recruited for doing a batterie of tests in November 2023 (Faculty of Medicine of Lyon 1, France). The test including a multi-modal assessment of sedentary behaviour, PA, and fitness levels and general anthropometric measurements. Sedentarity behaviours and PA levels were assessed using the GPAQ questionnaire and physical fitness was evaluated with a maximum isometric quadriceps force, a squat jump and a cardiorespiratory endurance test (modified VAMEVAL) (4). VO2max was estimated as 3.5 times VMA.

Results: A total of 61 students were included (47 women; 23 ± 3 yo) ; 24% were overweighed or obese. According to the GPAQ, 73% of them spend more than 8h/day sitting, and 38% did not meet the WHO recommendation of PA (upper threshold 1 200 MET.min/week). The estimated VO2max was of 31 ±2 (women) and 37 ±2 ml/min/kg (men). Only one VO2max was classified as “normal”, others were classified as very low (n=5), low (n=22) and weak (n=38) (5). The mean isometric quadriceps force was of 329 ±134 (women) and 391 ±38 N (men). The mean maximal jump height was of 18 ±5 (women) and 26 ±6 cm (men).

Discussion: Medical students spent a considerable time sedentary, and both the PA and physical fitness levels are alarmingly low. Almost 3/4 of them spend more than 8h a day sitting which is known to be a predictor of numerous bad health outcomes independently of PA practice. More than a 1/3 do not meet the WHO recommendation for optimal cardiovascular health. This alarming observation underscores the urgent need for the implementation of anti-sedentary measures and the promotion of PA in medical education. The following part of the PROMESS project aim to improve medical students fitness levels through individualized support.

(1) Macilwraith and Bennett, Irish Medical Journal, 2018, 111(3), 707
(2) Taylor et al. The Clinical Teacher, 2022, 19(6), e13525
(3) Stephens et al. Military Medicine, 2015, 180, 77‑78
(4) Leger and Boucher. Canadian journal of applied sport sciences, 1980, 5, 77‑84
(5) Shvartz and Reibold RC. Aviat Space Environ Med, 1990, Jan, 61(1):3-11