Aerobic performance and body composition changes during military service

作者：Mikkola Ilona^*; Keinanen Kiukaanniemi Sirkka; Jokelainen Jari; Peitso Ari; Harkonen Pirjo; Timonen Markku; Ikaheimo Tiina

来源：Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 2012, 30(2): 95-100.

DOI：10.3109/02813432.2012.649631

• Bioelectrical impedance assessment
• Cooper test
• fat
• military conscripts

Objective. To examine the association between aerobic performance and body composition changes by body mass index (BMI). Design. 6-12 months%26apos; follow-up during military service. Setting. Conscripts entering military service in 2005 in Sodankyl Jaeger Brigade (Finland). Subjects. 945 men (19 years, SD 1 years). Main outcome measures. Height, weight, waist circumference, BMI, and aerobic performance (Cooper test) were recorded. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The measured parameters were fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), and visceral fat area (VFA). All the measurements were performed at the beginning and end of service. Results. On average, the military training period improved the running distance by 6.8% (169 m, p %26lt; 0.001) and the improvements were more pronounced in overweight (223.9 m/9.5%, p %26lt; 0.001) and obese (273.3 m/13.6 %, p %26lt; 0.001) conscripts. A strong inverse correlation between aerobic performance and body composition changes was observed, especially for weight (r = -0.305, p %26lt; 0.001) and VFA (r = -0.465, p %26lt; 0.001). A significant association between aerobic performance and changes in weight (p %26lt; 0.001), waist circumference (p %26lt; 0.001), FM (p %26lt; 0.001), and VFA (p %26lt; 0.001) by BMI was detected. The associated decrease in weight, waist circumference, FM, and VFA with improved aerobic performance was more substantial between overweight and obese compared with normal-weight subjects. Conclusions. Favourable changes in body composition are associated with improved aerobic performance during a physical training period such as military service. These findings are pronounced among overweight and obese men and can be applied at the population level in reducing obesity and co-morbidities.

• 出版日期2012-6