Aerobic performance and body composition changes during military service.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between aerobic performance and body composition changes by body mass index (BMI).


METHODS
6-12 months' follow-up during military service.


METHODS
Conscripts entering military service in 2005 in Sodankylä Jaeger Brigade (Finland).


METHODS
945 men (19 years, SD 1 years).


METHODS
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.
Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Finland. imatero@student.oulu.fi
Ilona
I
Mikkola
Sirkka
S
Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi
Jari
J
Jokelainen
Ari
A
Peitso
Pirjo
P
Härkönen
Markku
M
Timonen
Tiina
T
Ikäheimo
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D017097:Electric Impedance; D015444:Exercise; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D055105:Waist Circumference; D055815:Young Adult