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Liu T. The roles of ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X gene variants in heat acclimation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33172. [PMID: 38984309 PMCID: PMC11231590 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33172] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Roles of genes in heat acclimation (HA, repeated exercise-heat exposures) had not been explored. ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X genetic polymorphisms are closely associated with outstanding exercise performances. This study investigated whether the two polymorphisms influenced the response to HA. Fifty young Han nationality male subjects were selected and conducted HA for 2 weeks. Exercise indicators (5-km run, push-up and 100-m run) were tested and rest aural thermometry (RTau) was measured before and after HA. ACE gene was grouped by I homozygote and D carrier, and ACTN3 gene was grouped by R homozygote and X carrier. Results showed that there were no differences between groups in age, body mass index, exercise indicators and RTau before HA. After HA, RTau of ACE I homozygote was lower than that of D carrier [F (1, 48) = 9.12, p = 0.004, η = 0.40]. Compared with RTau before HA, that of I homozygote decreased after HA (Δ = -0.26 °C, 95 % CI -0.34-0.18, p < 0.001), while that of D carrier did not change. There was a ACE gene × HA interaction in RTau [F (1, 48) = 14.26, p < 0.001, η = 0.48]. No effect of ACTN3 gene on RTau was observed. For exercise indicators, there were no differences between groups after HA, and no gene × HA interactions were observed. There may be a strong interaction of ACE gene and HA in the change of rest core temperature. I homozygote may have an advantage on improving heat tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Special Operations Experiment Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army Special Warfare School, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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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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Rue CA, D Myers S, L Coakley S, M Ashdown K, J Lee B, J Hale B, G Siddall A, C Needham-Beck S, L Hinde K, I Osofa J, S Walker F, Fieldhouse A, A J Vine C, Doherty J, R Flood T, F Walker E, Wardle S, P Greeves J, D Blacker S. Changes in physical performance during British Army Junior Entry, British Army Standard Entry and Royal Air Force Basic Training. BMJ Mil Health 2023:e002285. [PMID: 36725103 DOI: 10.1136/military-2022-002285] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose was to quantify physical performance in men and women during British Army Junior Entry (Army-JE), British Army Standard Entry (Army-SE) and Royal Air Force (RAF) basic training (BT). DESIGN Prospective longitudinal study. METHODS 381 participants ((339 men and 42 women) n=141 Army-JE, n=132 Army-SE, n=108 RAF) completed a 2 km run, medicine ball throw (MBT) and isometric mid-thigh pull (MTP), pre-BT and post-BT. To examine changes in pre-BT to post-BT physical test performance, for each course, paired Student t-test and Wilcoxon test were applied to normally and non-normally distributed data, respectively, with effect sizes reported as Cohen's D and with rank biserial correlations, respectively. A one-way between-subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) (or Welch ANOVA for non-normally distributed data) compared performance between quartiles based on test performance pre-BT. Where the main tests statistic, p value and effect sizes identified likely effect of quartile, post hoc comparisons were made using Games-Howell tests with Tukey's p value. Data are presented as mean±SD, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS During BT, 2 km run time improved by 13±46 s (-2.1%±8.1%), 30±64 s (-4.8%±12.3%) and 24±27 s (-4.5%±5.1%) for Army-JE, Army-SE and RAF, respectively (all p<0.005). MBT distance increased by 0.27±0.28 m (6.8%±7.0%) for Army-JE (p<0.001) and 0.07±0.46 m (2.3%±10.9%) for Army-SE (p=0.040), but decreased by 0.08±0.27 m (-1.4%±6.0%) for RAF (p=0.002). MTP force increased by 80±281 n (10.8%±27.6%) for Army-JE (p<0.001) and did not change for Army-SE (-36±295 n, -0.7%±20.6%, p=0.144) or RAF (-9±208 n, 1.0±17.0, p=0.603). For all tests and cohorts, participants in the lowest quartile of pre-BT performance scores demonstrated greater improvements, compared with participants in the highest quartile (except Army-JE MBT, ∆% change similar between all quartiles). CONCLUSIONS Changes in physical performance were observed for the three fitness tests following the different BT courses, and recruits with the lowest strength and aerobic fitness experienced greatest improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Rue
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - S D Myers
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - S L Coakley
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Sciences, St Mary's University, Twickenham, UK
| | - K M Ashdown
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - B J Lee
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - B J Hale
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - A G Siddall
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - S C Needham-Beck
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - K L Hinde
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - J I Osofa
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - F S Walker
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - A Fieldhouse
- Defence Public Health Unit | HQ Defence Medical Services, Ministry of Defence, London, UK
| | - C A J Vine
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - J Doherty
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - T R Flood
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - E F Walker
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - S Wardle
- Army Personnel Research Capability, British Army Land Forces Headquarters, Andover, UK
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Department of Targeted Intervention, University College London, London, UK
| | - J P Greeves
- Department of Army Health and Physical Performance Research, UK Ministry of Defence, Andover, UK
- Department of Targeted Intervention, University College London Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, London, UK
| | - S D Blacker
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
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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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Non-Invasive Physiological Monitoring for Physical Exertion and Fatigue Assessment in Military Personnel: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168815. [PMID: 34444564 PMCID: PMC8393315 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
During operational activities, military personnel face extremely demanding circumstances, which when combined lead to severe fatigue, influencing both their well-being and performance. Physical exertion is the main condition leading to fatigue, and its continuous tracking would help prevent its effects. This review aimed to investigate the up-to-date progress on non-invasive physiological monitoring to evaluate situations of physical exertion as a pre-condition to fatigue in military populations, and determine the potential associations between physiological responses and fatigue, which can later result in decision-making indicators to prevent health-related consequences. Adhering to the PRISMA Statement, four databases (Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and PubMed) were used for a literature search based on combinations of keywords. The eligibility criteria focused on studies monitoring physiological variables through non-invasive objective measurements, with these measurements being developed in military field, combat, or training conditions. The review process led to the inclusion of 20 studies. The findings established the importance of multivariable assessments in a real-life context to accurately characterise the effects of military practices. A tendency for examining heart rate variables, thermal responses, and actigraphy measurements was also identified. The objectives and experimental protocols were diverse, but the effectiveness of non-invasive measurements in identifying the most fatigue-inducing periods was demonstrated. Nevertheless, no assessment system for standardised application was presented. Future work may include the development of assessment methods to translate physiological recordings into actionable information in real-time and mitigate the effects of fatigue on soldiers’ performance accurately.
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