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. 2012 Jun;30(2):95-100.
doi: 10.3109/02813432.2012.649631.

Aerobic performance and body composition changes during military service

Ilona Mikkola  1 , Sirkka Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, Jari Jokelainen, Ari Peitso, Pirjo Härkönen, Markku Timonen, Tiina Ikäheimo
Affiliations

Aerobic performance and body composition changes during military service

Ilona Mikkola et al. Scand J Prim Health Care. 2012 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between aerobic performance and body composition changes by body mass index (BMI).

Design: 6-12 months' follow-up during military service.

Setting: Conscripts entering military service in 2005 in Sodankylä 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 < 0.001) and the improvements were more pronounced in overweight (223.9 m/9.5%, p < 0.001) and obese (273.3 m/13.6%, p < 0.001) conscripts. A strong inverse correlation between aerobic performance and body composition changes was observed, especially for weight (r = -0.305, p < 0.001) and VFA (r = -0.465, p < 0.001). A significant association between aerobic performance and changes in weight (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), FM (p < 0.001), and VFA (p < 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.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Changes in the Cooper test result, anthropometry, and body composition by BMI during military service (six months of service).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Changes in the Cooper test result, anthropometry, and body composition by BMI during military service (entire study population).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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