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Gonzales SM, Orr RM, Coburn JW, Hoffmann MD, Kennedy K, Dawes JJ, Lockie RG. A Retrospective Analysis of Southeastern U.S. Police Recruit Health and Fitness From 4 Points in Time Within a 16-Year Period: Implications for Physical Fitness Training. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:1118-1126. [PMID: 38781469 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Gonzales, SM, Orr, RM, Coburn, JW, Hoffmann, MD, Kennedy, K, Dawes, JJ, and Lockie, RG. A retrospective analysis of southeastern U.S. police recruit health and fitness from 4 points in time within a 16-year period: Implications for physical fitness training. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1118-1126, 2024-Drawing from the general population for its recruiting needs, police departments often employ academy curricula to improve a recruit's fitness so they can perform occupational tasks. Recently, obesity and physical inactivity have increased in the general population, potentially influencing the health and fitness of incoming recruits. This study involved a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of health and fitness data of police recruits. Data from 1 police department in southeastern United States were analyzed at 4 specific time points, splitting the recruits into natural immerging groups; 2003 (n = 93), 2006 (n = 137), 2009 (n = 74), and 2019 (n = 242). Health and fitness data for all recruits included age, height, body mass, and body mass index (BMI); systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP); sit-and-reach; combined grip strength; push-ups and sit-ups completed in 60 seconds; physical ability test time; and 2.4-km run time. Several univariate analyses, with sex and age as covariates (analyses of covariance), and a Bonferroni's post hoc, determined whether there were significant between-group differences. Effect sizes (d) were also calculated. Key results demonstrated that 2019 recruits were heavier than the recruits in 2006 and 2009 (p ≤ 0.032; d = 0.14-0.38); had a greater BMI (p ≤ 0.028; d = 0.24-0.75) and systolic BP (p < 0.001; d = 0.47-0.65), and lesser sit-and-reach distance (p ≤ 0.020; d = 0.26-0.46), than all recruit groups; completed fewer sit-up repetitions than the recruits in 2006 and 2009 (p ≤ 0.025; d = 0.42-0.48); and were slower in the 2.4-km run than the recruits in 2006 (p = 0.009; d = 0.36). Police training staff may need to address lesser health (BMI, BP) and fitness (hamstring flexibility, abdominal endurance, aerobic fitness) in incoming recruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Gonzales
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, California
| | - Robin M Orr
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Quensland, Australia
| | - Jared W Coburn
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, California
| | - Matt D Hoffmann
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, California
| | | | - J Jay Dawes
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
- Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Robert G Lockie
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, California
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Scheit L, Schröder J, Will S, Reer R, Hoffmann MA. Prevalence of obesity and associated health risks in soldiers of the German Armed Forces. J Occup Med Toxicol 2024; 19:12. [PMID: 38622636 PMCID: PMC11020664 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-024-00411-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity rates are rising in the armed forces of Western democratic countries, impacting military readiness and health. This highlights the need for preventive health risk assessments and countermeasures. METHODS Using mandatory health examination data from 2018 to 2022, we analyzed the prevalence of obesity, health risks, and associated specific military risk factors (rank and unit) in 43,214 soldiers of the German Armed Forces. Statistical methods included χ2 contingencies and binary logistic regressions. RESULTS The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was 18.0%. Male soldiers (OR = 3.776) and those with an officer's rank (OR = 1.244) had an increased chance for obesity. Serving in a combat unit reduced the chance of being obese (OR = .886). Considering BMI and waist circumference, 2.4% of the total sample faced extremely high cardiovascular and metabolic health risks, while 11.0% and 11.6% had very high or high health risks, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our data underscore the importance of targeting obesity-related health risk factors in soldiers to ensure their well-being and deployment readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Scheit
- Clinic I-Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Lesserstr. 180, Hamburg, 22049, Germany.
| | - Jan Schröder
- Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, Department of Sports Medicine, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, Hamburg, 20148, Germany
| | - Selina Will
- Clinic I-Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Lesserstr. 180, Hamburg, 22049, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Reer
- Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, Department of Sports Medicine, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, Hamburg, 20148, Germany
| | - Manuela Andrea Hoffmann
- Institute for Preventive Medicine of the German Armed Forces, Aktienstr. 87, Andernach, 56626, Germany
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstraße 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
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Thomson S. Administrative law as a determinant of public health. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2024; 115:168-172. [PMID: 37930629 PMCID: PMC10853139 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00826-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Administrative law comprises the rules, values, and processes by which government and regulatory decision-making is subject to administrative monitoring, review, and accountability. It impacts public health in two ways: through the design, powers, and processes of institutions that enforce administrative law; and through the substantive rules of administrative law. Yet despite its fundamental regulation of the way in which public health decisions are made, insufficient research has been conducted on administrative law as a determinant of public health. Administrative law and public health operate as siloed academic disciplines with very little cross-disciplinary collaboration, engagement, or understanding. This results in major, untapped research opportunities exploring how administrative law could contribute to an optimized model of planetary health in both higher income and lower-middle income countries. Put simply, a holistic, global view of the determinants of public health must take due account of the accountability rules and controls that regulate how public health, and other, decisions are made. This commentary is a call to action to better understand how administrative law mechanisms, such as judicial review, administrative tribunals, ombudsmen, information commissioners, public auditors, and human rights monitors, can be designed or redesigned to better promote sustainable public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Thomson
- ANU College of Law, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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Cialdella-Kam L, Bloedon TK, Stone MS. Body composition as a marker of performance and health in military personnel. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1223254. [PMID: 38169866 PMCID: PMC10759214 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1223254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Body composition standards are set to ensure operational readiness in active-duty military personnel. To meet body composition standards, some individuals, however, may engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors (i.e., weight cycling and disordered eating). The objectives of this review are to: (1) evaluate the evidence regarding body composition and the associations to physical and military specific performance; (2) discuss body composition and potential health consequences; and (3) examine the evidence of weight cycling and disordered eating behaviors in military personnel for weight control. Methods A systematic search to identify peer-reviewed research articles was conducted in PubMed on 2/20/2023 using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) including but not limited to "Military Personnel", "Tactical Athlete", "Weight Loss", "Body Composition", and "Weight Cycling". Results A total of 225 research articles were identified. The list was narrowed down to articles from the last 20 years (2003-2023) in military personnel. Only studies in which percent body fat was directly measured were included resulting in 17 research articles for this review. Discussion Evidence-based research is limited on the relationship between body composition and operational readiness. Weight cycling and disordered eating behaviors also has been reported for weight control, yet additional research is needed. Specifically, future research should focus on female service members, racial and ethnic differences, age, and postpartum status and include other service branches (i.e., Air Force and Navy). A comprehensive survey on weight cycling, disordered eating, and weight management would be valuable to determine the prevalence and extent of this issue. This information along with performance data would guide policy makers on the relevance and appropriateness of existing body composition standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Cialdella-Kam
- Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Taylor K. Bloedon
- School of Applied Health, Cal Poly Humboldt, Arcata, CA, United States
| | - Michael S. Stone
- Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, United States
- Military and Veterans Health Solutions, Leidos, San Diego, CA, United States
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Bukhari AS, Knowles WL, Reagan JJ, Schwartz JA, Lindberg TJ, Hough HL, Wagaman LM, Young KL, Harward JB, Feeney KA, Weinstein JL. Evidence-Based Strategies to Enhance Weight Management Programs for Adult Military Beneficiaries: A Narrative Review. Mil Med 2023; 188:215-224. [PMID: 37948205 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Overweight and obesity trends are on the rise among both civilian and military beneficiaries. The purpose of this narrative review was to evaluate nutrition, behavioral, lifestyle, pharmacotherapy, and alternative approaches to weight management (WM) among adults with a focus toward identifying gaps and evidence-based strategies that could support or enhance current and future WM programming among military adult beneficiaries. MATERIALS AND METHODS A trained research team identified publications (January 2013-January 2020) for abstract review using key search terms and inclusion criteria. Two independent researchers conducted both the abstract review and full-paper bias scoring using selected Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. All eligible studies were assessed for bias and categorized based on key themes. The study was registered in PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews. RESULTS The research team identified 741 articles, with 278 meeting final inclusion criteria. The mean bias score was 7.5 ± 3.9 (score of 0-13; higher indicating fewer bias factors), with 64% scoring ≥9. Factors contributing to low bias included intervention compliance, dropout rate, and inability to blind participants. The most common published weight-loss interventions included a combination of therapies (59%), diet/supplement (17%), other approaches (12%), behavior change (7%), and exercise (6%). Themes identified to improve WM outcomes included leveraging technology, increasing intervention interactions, community support, emphasis on early weight loss, pharmacotherapy risk-benefit, enhanced behavioral component, resistance exercise, mindfulness, and benefits of quality-of-life measures. CONCLUSIONS Reviewers identified several validated tools and techniques to augment and update existing WM programming to improve health and weight outcomes. The review affirmed use of individualized dietary patterns and not a "one-size-fits-all approach" as well as incorporating more comprehensive and team-approached treatments to make the best use of tools and strategies to enhance outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma S Bukhari
- US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA
| | | | - Joanna J Reagan
- Health Promotion & Wellness Directorate, Defense Centers Public Health-Aberdeen, APG, MD 21010, USA
| | - Julie A Schwartz
- USAF Healthcare to Health, 6th Medical Group, MacDill AFB, Tampa FL 33621, USA
| | - Tammy J Lindberg
- Air Force Services Center, Joint Base San Antonio Lackland-Kelly AFB, TX 78236, USA
| | | | - Lisa M Wagaman
- USAF David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB, CA 94535, USA
| | | | - Jennifer B Harward
- 341st Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, MT 59402, USA
| | - Kimberly A Feeney
- USAF Special Warfare Human Performance Squadron OL-B, Pope Army Airfield, NC 28308, USA
| | - James L Weinstein
- United States Air Force, Biomedical Sciences Corps, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 94535, USA
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Korona-Bailey J, Banaag A, Jones P, Nguyen DR, Koehlmoos TP. Frequency of Medical Claims for Diastasis Recti Abdominis Among U.S. Active Duty Service Women, 2016 to 2019. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:470-477. [PMID: 37818180 PMCID: PMC10561740 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a condition in pregnant and postpartum women. Proposed risk factors include age, sex, multiparity, cesarean delivery, diabetes, gestational weight gain, and high birth weight. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of DRA using medical claims data among U.S. active duty service women (ADSW) and determine associated risk factors. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of ADSW aged 18 years and older in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps during fiscal years (FYs) 2016 to 2019. Utilizing claims data, we identified ADSW with a diagnosis of DRA during the study period. Risk factors, including age, race, socioeconomic status, branch of service, military occupation, delivery type, and parity, were evaluated through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 340,748 ADSW were identified during FYs 2016 to 2019, of whom 2,768 (0.81%) had a medical claim for DRA. Of those with deliveries during the study period, 1.41% were multiparous and 84.53% had a cesarean delivery. Increased risk of DRA was found in ages 30 to 39 years, Black women, ranks representing a higher socioeconomic status, and women with overweight and obese body mass indices. Conclusions Although the prevalence of DRA, defined as a medical claim for DRA, in the study population is low, subpopulations may be disproportionately affected by the condition. Further research could potentially detail the impact of DRA on the functional impairment and operational readiness of ADSW in the U.S. military and any possible means of prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Korona-Bailey
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Amanda Banaag
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Penelope Jones
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dana R. Nguyen
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Chapman-Novakofski K. Take Advantage of All JNEB Article Categories. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 54:706. [PMID: 35953121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chapman-Novakofski
- Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, Advancing Research, Practice, and Policy
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