Physical fitness and cardiovascular disease risk factors in senior military officers.

Over a 5-year period (1986-1990), 1,223 male, senior military officers were tested to determine lipoprotein profiles, body composition (by densitometry), peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak by graded, treadmill walking), and strength (one repetition maximum). Average (+/- SD) VO2 peak and body fat were 44.9 +/- 6.7 ml/kg x min and 24.4 +/- 5.1%, respectively. Although the average VO2 peak of these individuals is in the top 10-15% of this age group, nearly 39% are over-fat (by U.S. Army Regulation 600-9). Mean (+/- SD) total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides were 205 +/- 36, 50 +/- 12, 134 +/- 32, and 108 +/- 71 mg%, respectively. These results reflect an apparently healthy diet and lifestyle, which was strengthened, for the most part, when an average Framingham risk index (FRI) of approximately 2.3 was calculated. The low mean FRI for this group may possibly be attributed to lower total cholesterol and smoking rates than the average 45-year-old man in the Framingham study. The results of the testing indicate that this group generally has a high aerobic capacity, is normotensive, non-obese, and at low risk for the development of cardiovascular disease.

Physiologic benefits of a stress reduction program for healthy middle-aged Army officers.

Stress reduction programs (SRPs) can reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study evaluated the effect of an SRP on metabolic and hormonal risk factors for CAD. Twenty army officers participating in an SRP, Group I, and a comparison group of seventeen SRP nonparticipants, Group C, volunteered to undergo measurement of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), cortisol, DHEA-S/cortisol ratio, testosterone, apolipoprotein-A1, apolipoprotein-B, triglycerides, cholesterol, fibrinogen, and leukocyte count both before and after the SRP period. No differences in the changes in biochemical risk factors for CAD were found between participant and nonparticipant except for DHEA-S. While Group C had a marked reduction in DHEA-S levels, Group I had a small increase. Previous studies indicate DHEA-S is inversely associated with extent of CAD and age-adjusted DHEA-S levels below 3.78 mumol/l confer an increased risk for CAD mortality. SRP participation appears to effect DHEA-S levels, possibly partially accounting for the benefits observed in SRPs among CAD patients.

Physical fitness and cardiovascular disease risk factors of female senior U.S. military officers and federal employees.

This study compared physical fitness and cardiovascular risk factors between military officers (N = 23) and civilians (N = 17). Subjects were women (average age 43 years) who attended the U.S. Army War College from 1986-1991. Officers had less body fat, higher aerobic capacity, lower resting heart rates, lower resting diastolic blood pressure, higher HDL, and marginally lower triglycerides. Female military officers appear to be more fit and have lower cardiovascular risk factors than their civilian counterparts.