The impact of strength loads on the health status and physical readiness of female cadets.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To investigate the impact of kettlebell strength training on the health and physical readiness of female cadets during martial law training. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The research involved 60 female cadets, 30 each in the experimental (EG) and the control (CG) groups. The EG cadets were engaged in kettlebell exercises during the hours of their sporting and mass participation activities, while the CG cadets were engaged according to the traditional methodology. The health status was assessed by anthropometry and cardiovascular system indicators; physical readiness - by the results of 100 meter run, push-ups, and 1 km run. RESULTS: Results: It was found that at the end of the research, most indicators of health and physical readiness in female cadets engaged in kettlebell exercises were significantly better than those who were engaged in physical exercises according to the traditional methodology. The most pronounced effect of strength loads was found on the development of strength qualities, stabilization of body weight, and improvement of the functional capabilities of the cardiovascular system. In the 4th semester, the female cadets of the EG showed significantly better than in the CG indicators of BMI, SI, heart rate recovery time, LPH, results in push-ups, and 1 km run. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: It is proved that strength loads in exercises with kettlebells, having several positive features, effectively impact the state of health and development of motor skills in female cadets, as well as contribute to the formation of an aesthetic physique and weight loss.

US Navy Sailors Modify Their Eating Behaviors to Pass Cyclic Physical Readiness Tests.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the influence of physical readiness tests (PRTs) on eating behaviors among US Navy Sailors. DESIGN: Focused ethnography using interviews and military policies. SETTING: Three US Naval installations. PARTICIPANTS: Active-duty enlisted Sailors (n = 32). PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Eating behaviors. ANALYSIS: Authors analyzed data iteratively with data collection using domain, taxonomy, and thematic analysis to identify culturally relevant codes, domains, and themes. RESULTS: Five themes corresponded with PRT timing and Sailors' perceived ability to meet standards: (1) maintain usual eating habits, (2) get ready and switch it up, (3) make weight-damage control, (4) return to baseline-PRT is over, and (5) eat whatever-PRT is canceled. In contrast to the PRT policy's goal for Sailors to maintain standards and a healthy lifestyle, many Sailors modified their usual eating behaviors to pass the test. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Changes in eating behaviors during PRT cycles highlight a culture of getting ready vs staying ready, suggesting many Sailors do not eat a nutrient-dense diet to maintain the minimum physical fitness and body composition standards. There is a need for nutrition education for healthy weight maintenance, weight gain prevention, and healthy weight loss among military personnel.

PECULIARITIES OF FORMATION OF CADETS' PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AND PHYSICAL READINESS FOR COMBAT STRESS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the impact of special physical training sessions on the formation of cadets' psychological resilience and physical readiness for the stress factors of future professional and combat activities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The research involved 96 cadets (men) in the 2nd training year of S. P. Koroliov Zhytomyr Military Institute (Ukraine) aged 18-20 years, who were divided into two groups: the experimental (E, n = 47) and the control (C, n = 49). The cadets of the E group studied according to the authors' program, and the C group cadets - according to the existing program. Cadets' psychological resilience was studied using psycho-diagnostic methods aimed at assessing their volitional qualities. Cadets' physical fitness was assessed by the tests of general and special physical training. RESULTS: Results: It was found that the level of general physical training of the E and the C group cadets was significantly the same (p > 0.05) at the end of the research but in terms of special physical training and psychological readiness, the E group cadets had all indicators significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) better than those of the C group. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: It has been proved that the special physical training sessions conducted according to the authors' program were more effective than the existing program in forming cadets' physical readiness and psychological resilience for stress factors of future professional and combat activities.

Contributions from incumbent police officer's physical activity and body composition to occupational assessment performance.

Introduction: Police officers must perform various tasks in unpredictable work environments and potentially volatile situations. This study aimed to determine if cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and physical activity levels could predict performance in a Midwest Police Department's Physical Readiness Assessment (PRA). Methods: Researchers collected data from thirty incumbent police officers (33.9 ± 8.3 years, female = 5). Anthropometric data included height, body mass, body fat percentage (BF%), fat-free mass (FFM), and maximal hand grip strength. The police officers also completed a physical activity rating (PA-R) scale to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Police officers then conducted their department's PRA. Stepwise linear regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between predictor variables and PRA performance. Pearson's product-moment correlations investigated relationships between anthropometric, physical fitness, and physical activity variables and PRA performance using SPSS (v.28). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Descriptive data for the sample includes BF%: 27.85 ± 7.57%, FFM: 65.73 ± 10.72 kg, hand grip strength: 55.51 ± 11.07 kg, weekday sedentary time (WST): 328 ± 28.26 min, weekend day sedentary time (WDST): 310 ± 28.92 min, daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): 29.02 ± 39.41 min, PRA: 273.6 ± 51.4 s and estimated V˙O2max: 43.26 ± 6.35 mL kg-1 min-1. The stepwise regression analyses indicated that BF% was predictive of PRA time (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.01); estimated V˙O2max predictive of PRA time (R2 = 0.45, p < 0.001). There were significant correlations between BF % and PRA time (r = 0.57, p < 0.001), PA-R and MVPA (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), %BF % and WDST (r = -0.606, p < 0.001), hand grip and FFM (r = 0.602, p < 0.001) and PA-R and PRA time (r = -0.36, p < 0.05). Discussion: The results of this exploratory study highlight that higher estimated V˙O2max and lower BF% were the best predictors for faster PRA completion times, accounting for 45% and 32% of the variance, respectively. The findings of this study support the need for wellness and fitness initiatives in law enforcement agencies focused on increasing cardiovascular fitness and physical activity while decreasing BF% to ensure optimal performance in policing and overall health.

Physical Activity Readiness in Patients with Heart Failure.

The aim of this study was to explore the readiness for physical activity (PA) and its related factors in patients with heart failure. This cross-sectional study included 163 patients with heart failure (mean age 66 ± 16, 50% female). The ability to safely engage in PA was assessed with the PA Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). Psychological readiness was measured using two questionnaires, namely: Exercise Self-efficacy Scale and the Motivation for PA and Exercise/Working Out. A multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted to test the effect of background variables on readiness for PA. 64% (n = 105) of patients reported not being able to safely engage in PA, 80% (n = 129) reported low self-efficacy, and 45% (n = 74) were extrinsically motivated indicating external factors drove their motivation. Factors that positively influenced the PA readiness included lower age (p < 0.01), being male (p < 0.01), being married (p < 0.01), having higher education (p < 0.01), being in NYHA-class I compared with II (p < 0.01), less time since diagnosis (p < 0.01), lower BMI (p = 0.02), and not suffering from COPD (p = 0.02). Prior to recommending exercise, assessment of safety to engage in PA along with self-efficacy and motivation in patients with heart failure is essential.

Postpartum Fitness and Body Mass Index Changes in Active Duty Navy Women.

INTRODUCTION: Active duty Navy women participate in biannual Physical Fitness Assessments (PFAs), which include height and weight measurements and a Physical Readiness Test (PRT). PFAs are waived during pregnancy and resume the cycle after 6 months following maternity leave. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in PFA results over time between women who had or did not have a live birth during the follow-up period, and identify characteristics of women with lower PFA results postpartum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal study included 14,142 active duty Navy women, aged 19-40 years, with PFA results during July 2011-June 2015. Multivariable logistic regression, Stuart-Maxwell tests, and mixed effects modeling were used to examine changes in PRT scores and body mass index over time between women with and without a live birth during follow-up. All data were analyzed in 2017. This study was approved by the institutional review boards at the Uniformed Services University Office of Research and the Naval Health Research Center, and informed consent was waived in accordance with 32 CFR § 219.116(d). RESULTS: Postpartum women had increased odds of PRT failures (AOR = 3.88, 95% CI: 1.44-10.40) and lower PRT scores (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.12-1.92) up to 2.5 years postpartum, versus women without a live birth. Being enlisted, obese/overweight prepregnancy, and younger were risk factors for suboptimal PFA outcomes. Mean core strength and cardiovascular endurance, but not upper body strength, scores were significantly lower in postpartum women at 1 year postpartum versus women without a live birth. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that additional interventions may be needed to assist women in returning to prepregnancy fitness up to 1 year postpartum. Future studies should examine additional factors that may improve postpartum fitness in addition to enhancing maternity leave policies.

Are Navy Weight Management Programs Ensuring Sailor Physical Readiness? An Analysis at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

INTRODUCTION: The obesity epidemic in the USA includes active duty service members in the military and effects physical readiness. At the Naval Medical Center San Diego command, the Health & Wellness Department is charged with administering the Weight Management Programs (WMP) for sailors in the San Diego area to ensure military physical readiness requirements. The optimal allocation of personnel and resources to manage these programs is paramount for mission success. We analyzed the cost and effectiveness of the WMPs for the active duty population stationed at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) with the intent of offering potential recommendations for program optimization. METHODS: As an approved quality improvement program, the cost and effectiveness of the WMP, namely Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) and ShipShape (SS), for the active duty population stationed at NMCSD were analyzed from 2013 to 2014 by utilizing various official sources. Data analysis included reviewing historical data for trends and developing a budgetary analysis to include Direct Labor Hour rates and opportunity costs. Interviews were conducted with key staff and participants in the WMPs to determine essential aspects and potential beneficial changes to the programs. Overall results were evaluated to identify potential opportunities for program expansion and improvement. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed that the FEP is producing a 78% success rate, with approximately 30% of the enrolled personnel actively participating. Concurrently, the SS program at NMCSD is producing a 71% success rate with 90% course completion rate. This success rate is significantly higher than the national SS average of 34%. Furthermore, our cost analysis revealed that the SS program a significantly higher return on investment. Interviews conducted of key staff and participants yielded several commonalities regarding key factors involved with WMPs success or needed improvements. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the WMPs at NMCSD, the findings in this report support the following recommendations: (1) maximize the SS program, (2) increase utilization of FEP, and (3) increase the participation and training of Assistant Command Fitness Leaders. WMPs navy-wide may benefit from incorporating similar program improvements to increase physical readiness of service members and, therefore, support command mission success.

Body mass index predicts selected physical fitness attributes but is not associated with performance on military relevant tasks in U.S. Army Soldiers.

OBJECTIVES: Army body composition standards are based upon validated criteria; however, certain field-expedient methodologies (e.g., weight-for-height, body mass index [BMI]) may disqualify individuals from service who may otherwise excel on physical performance and military-relevant tasks. The purpose was to assess soldier physical performance and military-specific task/fitness performance stratified by BMI. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Male (n=275) and female (n=46) soldiers performed a wide-array of physical fitness tests and military-specific tasks, including the Army physical fitness test (APFT). Within-sex performance data were analyzed by BMI tertile stratification or by Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) weight-for-height (calculated BMI) screening standards using ANOVA/Tukey post-hoc or independent t-tests, respectively. RESULTS: BMI stratification (higher vs. lower BMI) was associated with significant improvements in muscular strength and power, but also with decrements in speed/agility in male and female soldiers. Within the military specific tasks, a higher BMI was associated with an increased APFT 2-Mile Run time; however, performance on a 1600-m Loaded March or a Warrior Task and Battle Drill obstacle course was not related to BMI in either sex. Male and Female soldiers who did not meet ABCP screening standards demonstrated a slower 2-Mile Run time; however, not meeting the ABCP BMI standard only affected a minimal number (∼6%) of soldiers' ability to pass the APFT. CONCLUSIONS: Military body composition standards require a careful balance between physical performance, health, and military readiness. Allowances should be considered where tradeoffs exist between body composition classifications and performance on physical tasks with high military relevance.

Relationships of physical performance tests to military-relevant tasks in women.

PURPOSE: This investigation sought to determine the most predictive measures of performance on a repetitive box lifting task (RBLT) and load bearing task (LBT) among 123 women (aged ±4 years, height 165±7 cm, body mass 64±10 kg). METHODS: To determine the relationship of various predictors to performance on the RBLT and LBT, multiple regression analysis was conducted on body mass, height, leg cross-sectional area, upper and lower body muscular strength, lower body explosive power, upper and lower body local muscular endurance, and aerobic capacity. RESULTS: The mean±SD (range) number of repetitions for the RBLT was 86±23 (20-159). The mean±SD (range) time to complete the LBT was 2,054±340 seconds (1,307-3,447). The following equations were generated: RBLT (number of repetitions)=57.4+0.2(peak jump power)+0.4(number of pushups in 2 minutes)+0.15(number of repetitions during the squat endurance test)+1.39(one repetition maximal strength boxlift (kg))-0.04(2-mile run time (2MR) in seconds), R=0.81; standard error of the estimate (SEE)=14; LBT (in seconds)=1,831-4.28(number of repetitions during the squat endurance test)+0.95(2MR in seconds)-13.4(body mass), R=0.73; SEE=232. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the 2MR and squat endurance test were significant predictive factors for performance on both load carriage tasks. These data also imply that women's performance in combat-related tasks can be improved with training that targets muscular strength, power, and local muscular endurance in addition to aerobic capacity.