Psychological states and aerobic fitness of male and female recruits before and after basic training.

Psychological states and aerobic fitness were measured using a battery of psychological tests and a bicycle ergometer work test. A group of approximately two hundred male and female subjects were tested at the beginning of a six week basic training cycle and another group of two hundred were tested at the completion of basic training. A difference in mood, anxiety, self confidence and physical fitness was evident in the groups of male recruits, but not in the female recruits after training. A significant difference existed between males and females in terms of physical work capacity. These differences in work capacity and psychological responses should be considered in the assignment and selection of personnel for high work intensity military occupations.