Abstract:
The Purpose of this study was to study the effects of circuit training program on physical fitness in Thai Pre-Cadets. Methods: Forty male Thai Pre-Cadets from Armed Force Academies Preparatory School, aged range between 17-18 years old, were recruited for this study. They were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 20) who participated circuit training program and the control group (n = 20) who participated the army physical fitness training program. Both groups were trained 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The physical fitness testing included, 2 minute pull-up, 30 second sit-up, 30 second push-up, 50 meter swimming, 1,000 meter run and resting heart rate. The dependent variables were analyzed using paired samples t-test and independent t-test. A significance level of 0.05 was considered the statistical significance. Results: The mean values of 2 minute pull-up, 30 second sit-up, 30 second push-up in the experimental group was higher than in the control group (p ≤ .05). The mean values of 1,000 meter run in the experimental group were faster than in the control group (p ≤ .05). However The mean values of 50 meter swimming was not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: The circuit training program had more beneficial effects on cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, muscle endurance rather than The Army physical fitness training program. Therefore the circuit training program can be used as a physical fitness training for Thai Pre-Cadets.