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Pascoa MA, Langer RD, Borges JH, Cirolini WX, Guerra-Júnior G, Gonçalves EM. Influence of the Type of Physical Training on the Physical Fitness of Army Cadets. Mil Med 2024:usae363. [PMID: 39058730 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Military Physical Training programs represent a constant challenge for the Armed Forces to improve body composition indices and physical fitness levels. This study aimed to verify the influence of the type of training on the physical fitness and body composition of army cadets, using 2 strategies: a sports program (Athletes group) and conventional physical training (Traditional group). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study involved new entrant male cadets who were selected for the Athletes group (n = 243, 19.08 ± 1.23 years) or the Traditional group (n = 356, 18.89 ± 0.97 years), with assessments occurring before and after the period of training (31.4 ± 3.9 weeks). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the bone mineral content (BMC), fat mass (FM), percentage of fat mass (%FM), and lean soft tissue (LST). The physical tests evaluated the 3,000 m run (RUN), 50 m swim (SWIM), pull-ups (PULL) on the horizontal bar, push-ups (PUSH) on the ground, and abdominal flexion (SITUP). RESULTS Time × group interaction effects were observed for BMC (P < .001), LST (P < .023), RUN (P < .001), PULL (P = .006), PUSH (P < .001), SITUP (P = .007), and SWIM (P < .001). A significant effect of time was noted for all variables analyzed in both groups, except %FM. The Athletes group achieved better results in body composition and in PULL, PUSH, RUN, and SWIM at baseline and after the training period. The Traditional group demonstrated higher relative changes (%) after the training period in the LST (P = .001), PULL (P < .001), PUSH (P < .001), SITUP (P < .004), and SWIM (P < .001) compared to the Athletes group. CONCLUSION Both physical training programs improved body composition and physical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Alexandre Pascoa
- Growth and Development Laboratory, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (CIPED), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas-SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Raquel David Langer
- Growth and Development Laboratory, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (CIPED), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas-SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Juliano Henrique Borges
- Growth and Development Laboratory, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (CIPED), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas-SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Wagner Xavier Cirolini
- Growth and Development Laboratory, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (CIPED), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas-SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Gil Guerra-Júnior
- Growth and Development Laboratory, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (CIPED), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas-SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Ezequiel Moreira Gonçalves
- Growth and Development Laboratory, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (CIPED), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas-SP 13083-887, Brazil
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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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Kekäläinen T, Pulkka AT, Kyröläinen H, Ojanen T, Helén J, Pihlainen K, Heikkinen R, Vaara JP. Exercise self-efficacy remains unaltered during military service. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1307979. [PMID: 38348257 PMCID: PMC10859872 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1307979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Exercise self-efficacy is a crucial aspect of adopting and maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Regular physical activity may enhance exercise self-efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the baseline associations of physical fitness, physical activity, and body composition with exercise self-efficacy and the effects of military service on exercise self-efficacy. Methods: The sample consisted of healthy young Finnish conscripts (n = 243) undergoing military service. The participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group undergoing a high-intensity functional training program (n = 113) and a control group undergoing traditional physical training within their military service (n = 130). Exercise self-efficacy (adoption and barrier) and aerobic and muscular fitness were measured thrice (baseline, month 3, and month 5). Self-reported leisure-time physical activity and measured fat percentage were collected at baseline. Results Adoption and barrier exercise self-efficacy correlated positively with aerobic and muscular fitness and leisure time physical activity (r = 0.33-0.59, p < 0.001), and barrier self-efficacy negatively with fat percentage (r = -0.15, p < 0.05) at baseline. No changes in adoption (time p = 0.912) and barrier self-efficacy (time p = 0.441) occurred during the military service. There were no differences between groups in these changes (group × time interaction p = 0.643 for adoption self-efficacy and p = 0.872 for barrier self-efficacy). Change in muscular fitness correlated positively with change in barrier self-efficacy in the high-intensity functional training group (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Exercise self-efficacy is positively associated with physical fitness and physical activity among young males. However, military service, whether it involves high-intensity functional physical training or more diverse traditional physical training, does not improve exercise self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiia Kekäläinen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Antti-Tuomas Pulkka
- Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Kyröläinen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tommi Ojanen
- Human Performance Division, Finnish Defence Research Agency, Tuusula, Finland
| | - Joonas Helén
- Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kai Pihlainen
- Training Division, Defence Command, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Risto Heikkinen
- Statistical Analysis Services, Analyysitoimisto Statisti Oy, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jani P. Vaara
- Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, Helsinki, Finland
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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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