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Coge M, Neiva HP, Pereira A, Faíl L, Ribeiro B, Esteves D. Effects of 34 Weeks of Military Service on Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Military Cadets of Angola. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:111. [PMID: 39051272 PMCID: PMC11270323 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9030111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Military personnel need physical fitness to effectively carry out operational military activities within their specific field of operation. This research investigates the effects of a 34-week training program on Angolan cadets' body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Seventy-four volunteer recruits, aged 18 to 26 years, were monitored during their eight-month military service, following an exercise program protocol comprising 12 weeks of strength training followed by 24 weeks of endurance training. Anthropometric variables, including body mass, body mass index, and fat mass, were assessed, along with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), sprint performance, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, push-ups, and curl-ups. The physical training protocol encompassed running sessions, strength exercises, agility drills, and flexibility exercises. The initial assessment revealed gender differences in various parameters such as body mass, body fat percentage, VO2max, sprinting, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and push-ups. Following the training program, changes were observed in all variables (effect size between 0.48 and 2.33, p < 0.01) for the participants. Significant interactions (sex × time) were found in body mass (F = 5.18, p = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.06), body fat percentage (F = 5.31, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.14), and medicine ball throw (F = 10.84, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13). Specifically, males exhibited a greater reduction in body mass (females: 2.70%, males: 3.47%, p < 0.05) and a substantial improvement in ball throwing performance (females: 7.74%, males: 11.47%, p < 0.01), while females experienced a greater reduction in fat mass (females: 5.34%, males: 3.15%, p < 0.01). The physical training regimen effectively influenced body composition, particularly in enhancing strength performance among males. The integration of exercise programs with military service led to a notable reduction in fat tissue and an increase in lean tissue. Hence, the development of tailored training protocols is imperative to enhance the physical capacity and overall health of military recruits, considering sex-specific characteristics and physical attributes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Coge
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Convento de Santo António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.C.); (L.F.); (B.R.); (D.E.)
| | - Henrique Pereira Neiva
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Convento de Santo António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.C.); (L.F.); (B.R.); (D.E.)
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Convento de Santo António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Pereira
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Escola Superior de Educação, Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologias, Campus do IPS, Estefanilha, 2914-504 Setúbal, Portugal;
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, Centro de Investigação e Inovação em Desporto Atividade Física e Saúde, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
| | - Luís Faíl
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Convento de Santo António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.C.); (L.F.); (B.R.); (D.E.)
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Convento de Santo António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Bruno Ribeiro
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Convento de Santo António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.C.); (L.F.); (B.R.); (D.E.)
| | - Dulce Esteves
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Convento de Santo António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.C.); (L.F.); (B.R.); (D.E.)
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Convento de Santo António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
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Jones MV, Smith N, Burns D, Braithwaite E, Turner M, McCann A, Walker L, Emmerson P, Webster L, Jones M. A systematic review of resilient performance in defence and security settings. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273015. [PMID: 36190945 PMCID: PMC9529107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A narrative systematic literature review was conducted to explore resilient performance in defence and security settings. A search strategy was employed across a total of five databases, searching published articles from 2001 onwards that assessed performance and optimal function in relation to resilience, in defence and security personnel. Following narrative synthesis, studies were assessed for quality. Thirty-two articles met inclusion criteria across a range of performance domains, including, but not limited to, course selection, marksmanship, land navigation, and simulated captivity. Some of the key findings included measures of mental toughness, confidence, and a stress-is-enhancing mindset being positively associated with performance outcomes. There was mixed evidence for the predictive value of biomarkers, although there was some support for cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and neuropeptide-y (NPY), and vagal reactivity. Interventions to improve resilient performance were focused on mindfulness or general psychological skills, with effects generally clearer on cognitive tasks rather than direct performance outcomes in the field. In sum, no single measure, nor intervention was consistently associated with performance over a range of domains. To inform future work, findings from the present review have been used to develop a framework of resilient performance, with the aim to promote theoretically informed work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Vincent Jones
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England
| | - Nathan Smith
- Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, Coventry, England
| | - Danielle Burns
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England
| | | | - Martin Turner
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England
| | - Andy McCann
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England
| | - Lucy Walker
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England
| | | | - Leonie Webster
- Human and Social Sciences Group, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Jones
- Human and Social Sciences Group, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury, United Kingdom
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Andrzejewski M, Konefał M, Podgórski T, Pluta B, Chmura P, Chmura J, Marynowicz J, Melka K, Brazaitis M, Kryściak J. How training loads in the preparation and competitive period affect the biochemical indicators of training stress in youth soccer players? PeerJ 2022; 10:e13367. [PMID: 35539014 PMCID: PMC9080429 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physical fitness optimization and injury risk-reducing require extensive monitoring of training loads and athletes' fatigue status. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 6-month training program on the training-related stress indicators (creatine kinase - CK; cortisol - COR; serotonin - SER; brain-derived neurotrophic factor - BDNF) in youth soccer players. Methods Eighteen players (17.8 ± 0.9 years old, body height 181.6 ± 6.9 cm, training experience 9.7 ± 1.7 years) were blood-tested four times: at the start of the preparation period (T0), immediately following the preparation period (T1), mid-competitive period (T2), and at the end of the competitive period (T3). CK activity as well as concentrations of serum COR, SER and BDNF were determined. Training loads were recorded using a session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Results Statistical analyzes revealed significant effects for all biochemical parameters in relation to their time measurements (T0, T1, T2, T3). The statistical analyzes of sRPE and differences of biochemical parameters in their subsequent measurements (T0-T1, T1-T2, T2-T3) also demonstrated significant effects observed for all variables: sRPE (HKW = 13.189 (df = 2); p = 0.00), COR (HKW = 9.261 (df = 2); p = 0.01), CK (HKW = 12.492 (df = 2); p = 0.00), SER (HKW = 7.781 (df = 2); p = 0.02) and BDNF (HKW = 15.160 (df = 2); p < 0.001). Discussion In conclusion, it should be stated that the most demanding training loads applied in the preparation period (highest sRPE values) resulted in a significant increase in all analyzed biochemical training stress indicators. The reduction in the training loads during a competitive period and the addition of recovery training sessions resulted in a systematic decrease in the values of the measured biochemical indicators. The results of the study showed that both subjective and objective markers, including training loads, are useful in monitoring training stress in youth soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Andrzejewski
- Department of Methodology of Recreation, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Konefał
- Department of Biological and Motor Sport Bases, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz Podgórski
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Beata Pluta
- Department of Methodology of Recreation, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Chmura
- Department of Team Games, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jan Chmura
- Department of Biological and Motor Sport Bases, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jakub Marynowicz
- Department of Theory and Methodology of Team Sport Games, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Kamil Melka
- Institute of Mathematics, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marius Brazaitis
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jakub Kryściak
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
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Chronicity of sleep restriction during Army basic military training. J Sci Med Sport 2022; 25:432-438. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Beckner ME, Main L, Tait JL, Martin BJ, Conkright WR, Nindl BC. Circulating biomarkers associated with performance and resilience during military operational stress. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:72-86. [PMID: 34346851 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1962983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Adaptation to military operational stress is a complex physiological response that calls upon the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and immune system, to create a delicate balance between anabolism and catabolism and meet the demands of an ever-changing environment. As such, resilience, the ability to withstand and overcome the negative impact of stress on military performance, is likely grounded in an appropriate biological adaptation to encountered stressors. Neuroendocrine [i.e. cortisol, epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), neuropeptide-Y (NPY), and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF)], inflammatory [i.e. interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α], as well as growth and anabolic [i.e. insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)] biomarkers independently and interactively function in stress adaptations that are associated with a soldier's physical and psychological performance. In this narrative review, we detail biomarkers across neuroendocrine, inflammatory, and growth stimulating domains to better elucidate the biological basis of a resilient soldier. The findings from the reviewed studies indicate that military readiness and resiliency may be enhanced through better homeostatic control, better regulated inflammatory responses, and balanced anabolic/catabolic processes. It is unlikely that one class of biomarkers is better for assessing physiological resilience. Therefore, a biomarker panel that can account for appropriate balance across these domains may be superior in developing monitoring frameworks. Real-time physiological monitoring to assess biomarkers associated with resilience will be possible pending more sophisticated technologies and provide a field-expedient application for early identification and intervention of at-risk soldiers to improve military resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan E Beckner
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center. Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Luana Main
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jamie L Tait
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Brian J Martin
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center. Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William R Conkright
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center. Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bradley C Nindl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center. Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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