Physical and Psychological Changes in U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadets Throughout the STAR Training Program

PURPOSE: U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) cadets face unique military preparedness pressures that may heighten risk for negative body image and maladaptive eating behaviors. Such behavioral and body image concerns can meaningfully undermine health, performance, and readiness, yet remain underexplored relative to physical outcomes in pre-military populations. This study examined longitudinal changes in body composition and physical fitness assessment (PFA) scores alongside various psychosocial factors across a 12-week S&C program in AFROTC cadets. METHODS: Forty-six AFROTC cadets (21 F, 25 M; age: 20±3y; BMI: 24.0±3.9kg/m²; BF%: 26.1±8.2%) completed the Supporting Tactical Athletes for Readiness (STAR) Program. Assessments at baseline and post-intervention included body composition, PFA scores, cardiometabolic health, eating behaviors, depression, and attitudinal and perceptual body image via DXA, validated questionnaires, and 3D digital appearance adjustment. RESULTS: Following the intervention, cadets demonstrated broad improvements in physical and cardiometabolic health, including higher PFA scores (p