title: Energy balance and physical demands during an 8-week arduous military training course.
abstract: This study assessed soldier's physical demands and energy balance during the Section Commanders' Battles Course (SCBC). Forty male soldiers were monitored during the 8-week tactics phase of the SCBC. Energy expenditure was measured using the doubly labeled water method. Cardiovascular strain (heart rate) and physical activity (using triaxial accelerometer) were also monitored. Average sized portions of meals were weighed, with all recipes and meals entered into a dietary analysis program to calculate the calorie content. Energy expenditure averaged 19.6 ± 1.8 MJ · d(-1) in weeks 2 to 3 and 21.3 ± 2.0 MJ · d(-1) in weeks 6 to 7. Soldiers lost 5.1 ± 2.6 kg body mass and body fat percent decreased from 23 ± 4% to 19 ± 5%. This average weight loss equates to an estimated energy deficit of 2.69 MJ · d(-1). The Army provided an estimated 14.0 ± 2.2 MJ · d(-1) in weeks 2 to 3 and 15.7 ± 2.2 MJ · d(-1) in weeks 6 to 7. Although this provision adheres to the minimum requirement of 13.8 MJ · d(-1) set by Army regulations, soldiers were in a theoretical 5.6 MJ · d(-1) energy deficit. The physical demands of SCBC were high, and soldiers were in energy deficit resulting in loss in body mass; primarily attributed to a loss in fat mass.
authors.affiliation: Optimal Performance, Leigh Court Business Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Victoria L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Richmond
authors.affiliation: Optimal Performance, Leigh Court Business Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Fleur E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Horner
authors.affiliation: Optimal Performance, Leigh Court Business Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.affiliation: Optimal Performance, Leigh Court Business Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Mark P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Rayson
authors.affiliation: National Health Service, R&D Office, Room N17, ITTC Building, Tamar Science Park, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BX, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Antony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: Army Training and Recruitment Division, Trenchard Lines, Upavon, Wiltshire SN9 6BE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Izard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*