Association of Physical Fitness and Academic Performance Among the Preclinical Medical Students in Universiti Putra Malaysia

Background: Medicine is a discipline that is complex and challenging. Due to that, the academic performance of medical students is of utmost importance. Academic performance is the measurement of students’ achievements across various subjects. Behavioural factors, including physical fitness, are highly associated with academic performance. Physical fitness refers to the ability of the body to work efficiently and can be divided into health-related and skill-related. This study aims to identify the association between health-related physical fitness and academic performance among preclinical medical. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among second-year preclinical medical students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) UPM. A total of 87 students participated in this research. The level of physical fitness was determined using a stadiometer and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (body composition), Sit-and-Reach Test (flexibility), Handgrip Strength Test (muscle strength), 1-min Curl-up Test (muscle endurance) and the McArdle Step Test (cardiorespiratory endurance). Academic performance was measured by the marks Central Nervous System module examination. Results: The participant’s ages ranged from 21 to 22 years old, 58.6% were females and 41.4% were males. The majority of them were in the healthy weight according to BMI while 12.6% were overweight and 8.1% were obese. Pearson correlation test showed a significant negative association between body fat percentage and the academic performance of the second-year preclinical medical students (p < 0.05, r =  −0.286). Significant positive associations between cardiorespiratory endurance and academic performance (p < 0.05, r =  −0.347) were also discovered. Conclusion: In conclusion, physical fitness level, specifically increased cardiorespiratory endurance and decreased body fat percentage, is associated with better academic outcomes among second-year preclinical medical students.