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Pihlainen K, Santtila M, Nindl BC, Raitanen J, Ojanen T, Vaara JP, Helén J, Nykänen T, Kyröläinen H. Changes in physical performance, body composition and physical training during military operations: systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21455. [PMID: 38052976 PMCID: PMC10698179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systematic review and meta-analysis applying PRISMA guidelines with a PICOS format was constructed to provide an overview of changes in physical performance, body composition and physical training in soldiers during prolonged (≥ 3 months) military operations. Twenty-four studies out of the screened 4431 records filled the inclusion criteria. A small decrease in endurance performance was the most consistent finding (Hedge's g [g] - 0.21, 95% CI - 0.01 to - 0.41) while small overall increases in maximal strength of the lower (g 0.33, 95% CI 0.16-0.50) and upper body (g 0.33, 95% CI 0.19-0.46) were observed. In addition, small increases in strength endurance (push-up, g 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.52; sit-up g 0.26, 95% CI 0.07-0.44) were observed. The overall changes in body composition were trivial. Heterogeneity in the outcome variables varied mainly between low to moderate. Large inter-individual variations were observed in physical training volume, including decrements especially in endurance training frequency and volume. A reduction in total training load was often associated with negative changes in body composition and physical performance according to the principle of training specificity. Individuals with higher initial fitness level were more susceptible to decrements in their physical performance during operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Pihlainen
- Human Performance Sector, Training Division, Defence Command, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - M Santtila
- Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - B C Nindl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Raitanen
- Faculty of Social Sciences (Health Sciences), Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | - T Ojanen
- Human Performance Division, Finnish Defence Research Agency, Tuusula, Finland
| | - J P Vaara
- Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Helén
- Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Nykänen
- Army Academy, Finnish Defence Forces, Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - H Kyröläinen
- Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, Helsinki, Finland
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
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Schilz C, Sammito S. Physical activity of daily life of Bundeswehr soldiers: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Mil Health 2023; 169:302-306. [PMID: 34266977 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activity of daily life is an important key to maintaining and improving the health status. This is especially important for people in physically demanding jobs, such as firefighters, military and police. METHODS In order to record the actual state of activity of daily life among soldiers, a step count measurement with a pedometer was carried out on 196 soldiers of the German Armed Forces over 7 days and supplemented by a questionnaire on lifestyle factors. RESULTS The subjects exceeded the recommended 7000-8000 steps per day, with the rank and file moving the least and the commissioned officers the most. It was also striking that the soldiers in the study moved an average of 2600 steps less per day on weekends than on weekdays. CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, targeted physical activity measures can be established for the identified target groups within the framework of corporate health management in order to ensure the physical fitness of soldiers on routine duty and on deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Schilz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke Universitat Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - S Sammito
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke Universitat Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Section Experimental Aerospace Medicine Research, German Air Force Centre of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
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Edwards NA, Talarico MK, Chaudhari A, Mansfield CJ, Oñate J. Use of accelerometers and inertial measurement units to quantify movement of tactical athletes: A systematic review. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 109:103991. [PMID: 36841096 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.103991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic work environments of tactical athletes are difficult to replicate in a laboratory. Accelerometers and inertial measurement units provide a way to characterize movement in the field. This systematic review identified how accelerometers and inertial measurement units are currently being used to quantify movement patterns of tactical athletes. Seven research and military databases were searched, producing 26,228 potential articles with 78 articles included in this review. The articles studied military personnel (73.1%), firefighters (19.2%), paramedics (3.8%), and law enforcement officers (3.8%). Accelerometers were the most used type of sensor, and physical activity was the primarily reported outcome variable. Seventy of the studies had fair or poor quality. Research on firefighters, emergency medical services, and law enforcement officers was limited. Future research should strive to make quantified movement data more accessible and user-friendly for non-research personnel, thereby prompting increased use in tactical athlete groups, especially first responder agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Edwards
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, 453 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Human Performance Collaborative, The Ohio State University, 1961 Tuttle Park Place, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Sports Medicine Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 4835 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Maria K Talarico
- Human Systems Integration Division, DEVCOM Analysis Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, 7188 Sustainment Rd, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21005, USA.
| | - Ajit Chaudhari
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, 453 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Sports Medicine Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 4835 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, 201 W. 19th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 140 W. 19th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Cody J Mansfield
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, 453 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Sports Medicine Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 4835 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - James Oñate
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, 453 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Human Performance Collaborative, The Ohio State University, 1961 Tuttle Park Place, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Division of Athletic Training, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, 453 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Sports Medicine Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 4835 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Pihlainen K, Kyröläinen H, Santtila M, Ojanen T, Raitanen J, Häkkinen K. Effects of Combined Strength and Endurance Training on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Serum Hormones During a 6-Month Crisis Management Operation. J Strength Cond Res 2022; 36:2361-2370. [PMID: 33337694 PMCID: PMC9394488 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pihlainen, K, Kyröläinen, H, Santtila, M, Ojanen, T, Raitanen, J, and Häkkinen, K. Effects of combined strength and endurance training on body composition, physical fitness, and serum hormones during a 6-month crisis management operation. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2361-2370, 2022-Very few studies have examined the impact of training interventions on soldier readiness during an international military operation. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of combined strength and endurance training on body composition, physical performance, and hormonal status during a 6-month international military deployment consisting of typical peacekeeping tasks, e.g., patrolling, observation, and on-base duties. Soldiers ( n = 78) were randomly allocated to a control group (C) or one of 3 combined whole-body strength and endurance training groups with varying strength-to-endurance training emphasis (Es = 25/75%, SE = 50/50% or Se = 75/25% of strength/endurance training). Body composition, physical performance (3000-m run, standing long jump [SLJ], isometric maximal voluntary contraction of the lower [MVC lower] and upper extremities [MVC upper ], muscle endurance tests), and selected serum hormone concentrations were determined prior to training (PRE), and after 9 (MID) and 19 (POST) weeks of training. Within- and between-group changes were analyzed using linear regression models. The average combined strength and endurance training frequency of the total subject group was 3 ± 2 training sessions per week. No changes were observed in physical performance variables in the intervention groups, whereas SLJ decreased by 1.9% in C ( p < 0.05). Maximal voluntary contraction lower increased by 12.8% in the combined intervention group ( p < 0.05), and this was significantly different to C ( p < 0.05). Testosterone-to-cortisol ratio increased in SE and Se ( p < 0.05), whereas no change was observed in C. The intervention groups maintained or improved their physical performance during deployment, which is beneficial for operational readiness. However, the high interindividual variation observed in training adaptations highlights the importance of training individualization during prolonged military operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Pihlainen
- Training Division, Helsinki, Defence Command, Finland
| | - Heikki Kyröläinen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Military Pedagogy and Leadership, National Defence University, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Santtila
- Department of Military Pedagogy and Leadership, National Defence University, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tommi Ojanen
- Finnish Defence Research Agency, Finnish Defence Forces, Tuusula, Tuusula, Finland
| | - Jani Raitanen
- Faculty of Social Sciences (Health Sciences), Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; and
- UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | - Keijo Häkkinen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Association between Diet, Physical Activity and Nutritional Status of Male Border Guard Officers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095305. [PMID: 35564700 PMCID: PMC9101595 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The main factors that determine the effectiveness and reliability of duties and tasks performed by border guard officers, are very good health and maintaining a high level of psychophysical fitness that depend mainly on adequate diet and physical activity and thus, nutritional status. The aim of the study was to verify the correlations between dietary habits, physical activity level and selected nutritional status indicators. One hundred and sixty-nine male border guard officers participated in the study. A 61-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary habits and a long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and bone calcification was assessed by the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Many correlations between dietary habits, as well as the physical activity of officers and body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and visceral fat level (VFL) were found, while bone mineral density (BMD T-score) negatively correlated only with two food groups and 6 out of 61 products but did not correlate with physical activity. The results also confirmed many poor dietary habits and abnormalities in nutritional status. Thus, there is a need for nutritional education and further monitoring of health-related behaviors, as well as monitoring the nutritional status of border guard officers.
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Paśko W, Guła P, Brożyna M, Dziadek B, Zadarko E, Śliż M, Polak K, Przednowek K. Psychomotor abilities of candidates for Polish Special Forces. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5075. [PMID: 35332229 PMCID: PMC8948284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09138-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Combat tasks involving special units often put a mental and physical strain on the soldiers. During the military operation, soldiers may struggle with multiple difficulties such as extreme physical effort, sleep deprivation, weather conditions, limited access to food and stress. These circumstances require a high level of cognitive ability (including psychomotor abilities) to overcome the physiological stress response and to be able to quickly and efficiently make decisions under stressful situations, especially in combat. The aim of the study was to assess the level of the psychomotor abilities of candidates for the Polish Special Forces. The study comprised 48 candidates for the Polish Special Forces (age: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$30.06 \pm 2.87$$\end{document}30.06±2.87), 40 athletes (age: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$27.93 \pm 3.91$$\end{document}27.93±3.91) and 40 non-athletes (age: 24). The study was performed using Test2Drive software. Four computer-based tests were used to assess the following psychomotor abilities: simple reaction time, choice reaction time, hand-eye coordination and two-dimensional visuomotor coordination/spatial orientation test (SPANT). The analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences in reaction time and motor time between the study groups. The shortest reaction time in each test was observed in athletes, while the shortest motor time was observed in soldiers. All the psychomotor tests, except for the number of correct answers in SPANT, demonstrated statistically significant differences between the studied groups. It was also found that military training had a positive effect on the motor time in every psychomotor test. As regards the reaction time, it was observed that the athletes were characterised with better reaction times than the special forces candidates. The study has confirmed that military training and sports training have a positive effect on the level of psychomotor abilities, especially motor time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Paśko
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów University, Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Guła
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Maciej Brożyna
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Bartosz Dziadek
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Emilian Zadarko
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Maciej Śliż
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Klementyna Polak
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Przednowek
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów University, Rzeszow, Poland
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Karanth SD, Washington C, Cheng TYD, Zhou D, Leeuwenburgh C, Braithwaite D, Zhang D. Inflammation in Relation to Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity among Older Adults Living with Chronic Comorbidities: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2006. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113957. [PMID: 34836213 PMCID: PMC8621174 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of muscle mass and waning in muscle strength are common in older adults, and inflammation may play a key role in pathogenesis. This study aimed to examine associations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in older adults with chronic comorbidities. Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006) were obtained for participants aged ≥60 years. Sarcopenia was defined by a lean mass and body height (males < 7.26 kg/m2, females < 5.45 kg/m2). Sarcopenic obesity was defined by the concurrent presence of sarcopenia and obesity (defined by relative fat mass). Logistic regression was used to assess the associations of CRP and SII with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. The dose–response relationship was examined via restricted cubic splines. Of the participants (n = 2483), 23.1% (n = 574) and 7.7% (n = 190) had sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, respectively. The multivariable logistic regression models suggested a positive association of SII with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, but a positive statistically significant association was not consistently observed for CRP. Dose–response curves suggested similar association patterns for these biomarkers. In clinical practice, measures to prevent sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are needed for older vulnerable people with high systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shama D. Karanth
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (S.D.K.); (C.L.); (D.B.)
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.-Y.D.C.); (D.Z.)
| | | | - Ting-Yuan D. Cheng
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.-Y.D.C.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Daohong Zhou
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.-Y.D.C.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Christiaan Leeuwenburgh
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (S.D.K.); (C.L.); (D.B.)
| | - Dejana Braithwaite
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (S.D.K.); (C.L.); (D.B.)
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.-Y.D.C.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Dongyu Zhang
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (T.-Y.D.C.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Correspondence:
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Rosales AM, Dodds PS, Sol JA, Marks AN, Domitrovich JW, Ruby BC. Workshift Changes in Hydration Status During Wildfire Suppression. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:963-969. [PMID: 34091574 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Document wildland firefighters (WLFFs) hydration status during a singular workshift (13.7 ± 1.4 hours). METHODS WLFF researchers documented real-time WLFF (n = 71) urine metrics and fluid consumption. Body weight and blood samples (n = 25) were also collected. Two-tailed dependent t tests determined statistical significance (P < 0.05). RESULTS Body weight significantly decreased (-0.3 ± 1.1%, P > 0.05). Fluid consumption totaled 6.2 ± 2.3 L including food and 5.0 ± 2.1 L without food. Morning versus afternoon urine frequency (2.6 ± 1.3, 3.1 ± 1.9 voids), urine volume (1.2 ± 0.7, 1.3 ± 0.8 L), urine volume per void (440 ± 157, 397 ± 142 mL), and urine specific gravity (1.010 ± 0.007, 1.010 ± 0.007) were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Pre- to post-workshift serum chloride (103.2 ± 1.9, 101.4 ± 1.7 mM) and blood glucose (5.2 ± 0.4, 4.5 ± 0.7 mM) significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while serum sodium (141.5 ± 2.4, 140.8 ± 2.0 mM) and serum potassium (4.3 ± 0.3, 4.2 ± 0.3 mM) remained stable (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS WLFFs can ingest fluid and food amounts that maintain workshift euhydration and electrolyte status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro M Rosales
- Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana (Mr Rosales, Mr Dodds, Mr Marks, and Dr Ruby); National Technology and Development Program, United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Missoula, Montana (Mr Sol and Dr Domitrovich)
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Free-Living Dietary Intake in Tactical Personnel and Implications for Nutrition Practice: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103502. [PMID: 34684503 PMCID: PMC8537156 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tactical personnel (including military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue) are responsible for ensuring national and public safety. Dietary intake is an important consideration to support optimal health and performance. The aims of this systematic review were to: (1) describe the reported free-living dietary intake (energy and macronutrients) of tactical personnel, and (2) describe the practical implications of reported dietary intakes to support the physical and dietary requirements of tactical personnel. A systematic search of databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science) was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. English and full text research articles were identified and screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic and dietary intake data were extracted, tabulated, and synthesized narratively. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Twenty-two studies (15 military, 4 law enforcement, and 2 fire and rescue) were eligible to inform this review. The volume of evidence suggested that tactical personnel met dietary protein and exceeded dietary fat recommendations but failed to meet energy and carbohydrate recommendations. Therefore, practical approaches to support optimized energy, fat and carbohydrate intake in tactical personnel is important.
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Soldiers’ physical activity of daily life: a systematic literature review. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01586-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
High physical fitness and good health are not only essential for the civilian population but also for persons working in physically and psychologically demanding professions, such as armed forces personnel. To date there is no scientific summary of studies dealing with the physical activity of daily life in armed forces personnel, but this is necessary for a targeted intervention.
Methods
A systematic review was performed in the PubMed database (target date: 24 May 2020), using the search terms “military personnel” and “exercise” or “(physical) activity of daily life” including the assigned MESH words.
Results
Seven original papers have focused on the daily physical activity of military personal, and they were all conducted in different countries. The activity of daily life was on average 11,540 steps per day.
Conclusions
It could be shown that soldiers performed more physical activity than the civilian population and that the recommended 10,000 steps per day were slightly exceeded on average. However, the number of steps performed was very low in fields of activity with limited physical activity options, such as on board a ship. Altogether, it thus seems that additional health-promoting physical activity programs are not required for most of the soldiers, but that, in contrast, corresponding offers for physical activity alternatives, e.g., in the form of fitness equipment, are urgently required in specific task areas (e.g., on board ships).
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11
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Negative energy balance during military training: The role of contextual limitations. Appetite 2021; 164:105263. [PMID: 33862189 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During multiday training exercises, soldiers almost systematically face a moderate-to-large energy deficit, affecting their body mass and composition and potentially their physical and cognitive performance. Such energy deficits are explained by their inability to increase their energy intake during these highly demanding periods. With the exception of certain scenarios in which rations are voluntarily undersized to maximize the constraints, the energy content of the rations are often sufficient to maintain a neutral energy balance, suggesting that other limitations are responsible for such voluntary and/or spontaneous underconsumption. In this review, the overall aim was to present an overview of the impact of military training on energy balance, a context that stands out by its summation of specific limitations that interfere with energy intake. We first explore the impact of military training on the various components of energy balance (intake and expenditure) and body mass loss. Then, the role of the dimensioning of the rations (total energy content above or below energy expenditure) on energy deficits are addressed. Finally, the potential limitations inherent to military training (training characteristics, food characteristics, timing and context of eating, and the soldiers' attitude) are discussed to identify potential strategies to spontaneously increase energy intake and thus limit the energy deficit.
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Vyas N, Cialdella-Kam L. Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Intake vs. Estimated Needs in Warfighters: an Update. Curr Nutr Rep 2020; 9:405-413. [PMID: 33118099 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-020-00336-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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Active members of the military must perform optimally under conditions of thermal stress and/or energy deficiency. Military dietary reference intakes (MDRIs) provide guidelines for energy and nutrient intakes but is based studies largely conducted in Army. Needs may vary by service branch and/or position. New protein recommendations have emerged, which are not reflected in MDRIs. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Compare reported dietary intake in active duty members to MDRIs and 2016 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) sports nutrition guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: Active duty members are not meeting their energy and carbohydrate needs with low-to-adequate protein intake and adequate-to-high fat intake. Other nutrients of concern are vitamin D, calcium, iron, B-vitamins, and fiber. Thermal stress increases energy needs and suppresses appetite and thus increase risk for energy and nutrition deficiencies. Energy and nutrients needs can vary by branch of armed service, job responsibility, and external stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Vyas
- Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Lynn Cialdella-Kam
- Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA. .,Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA.
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Zhu Q, Huang B, Li Q, Huang L, Shu W, Xu L, Deng Q, Ye Z, Li C, Liu P. Body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio misclassification of overweight and obesity in Chinese military personnel. J Physiol Anthropol 2020; 39:24. [PMID: 32831152 PMCID: PMC7444050 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-020-00236-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of obesity in military personnel has raised great concerns. Previous studies suggest that body mass index (BMI)- and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)-based obesity classifications in US military personnel and firefighters have high false negative and subsequently cause obesity misclassification. OBJECTIVE To determine whether BMI and WHR could reflect the fat mass of Chinese military personnel. METHODS Three hundred fifty-three male Chinese military personnel and 380 age-matched male adults were recruited. Obesity classification was defined by BMI, WHR, and body fat percentage (BFP). RESULTS Chinese military personnel had extremely low obesity rate determined by either BFP (0.3%) or BMI (0.6%). By combining overweight and obese individuals, BMI- and WHR-determined prevalence of overweight/obesity was 22.4% and 17.0% compared to BFP-based standard (4.0%) (P < 0.05). In reference to BFP, BMI and WHR have high false-positive rate compared to the control group. Further analysis showed that Chinese military personnel consisted of high percentage of BFPlowBMIhigh and/or BFPlowWHRhigh subpopulations. Eighty-one percent of BMIhigh and 78.3% of WHRhigh of them were BFP low. CONCLUSIONS Chinese military personnel has extremely low obesity rate. BMI and WHR have high false-positive rates in reference to BFP, which cannot accurately reflect the mass of adipose tissue and leads to obesity misclassification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhu
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Binbin Huang
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Liqian Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenbo Shu
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiongying Deng
- Department of Anatomy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Ziliang Ye
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Differences in Training Adaptations of Endurance Performance during Combined Strength and Endurance Training in a 6-Month Crisis Management Operation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17051688. [PMID: 32150971 PMCID: PMC7084630 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Decreases in aerobic fitness during military operations have been observed in several studies. Thus, differences in training adaptations during a 6-month crisis-management operation were compared by using the change in endurance performance as the outcome measure. Sixty-six male soldiers volunteered for the study, consisting of pre-post assessments of blood biomarkers, body composition, physical performance, and the military simulation test (MST) performance. Physical training volume was self-reported. After the follow-up, the data were divided based on individual changes in endurance performance. Endurance performance was improved in the high-responder group (HiR, n = 25) and maintained or decreased in the low-responder group (LoR n = 24). During the operation, the LoR group decreased while the HiR group increased their endurance training frequency from the pre-deployment level (Δ 28 ± 57% vs. -40 ± 62%, p = 0.004). Fat mass decreased (-7.6 ± 11.7% vs. 14.2 ± 20.4%, p < 0.001), and 1-min push-up (27.7 ± 21.9% vs. 11.7 ± 26.1%, p = 0.004) and MST performance improved (-13.6 ± 6.8% vs. -7.5 ± 6.5%, p = 0.006) more in the HiR group. No differences were observed in the changes of other physical performance test results or analyzed biomarkers. In conclusion, soldiers who were initially leaner and fitter in terms of lower body strength and power were more likely to decrease their aerobic fitness during the operation.
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