From the subarctic to the tropics: effects of 4-month deployment on soldiers' heat stress, heat strain, and physical performance.
J Strength Cond Res
; 26 Suppl 2: S45-52, 2012 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22643140
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to evaluate the heat stress of Finnish male soldiers (N = 20, age 22.0 ± 2.5 years, body mass 78.8 ± 11.5 kg, and height 180.2 ± 5.6 cm) during their 4-month deployment in a hot environment and to find out the effects on physical performance and body composition. The troops moved from 2.5° C (mean monthly temperature) in Finland to 31.9° C in Chad. During the deployment, temperatures varied between 13.5 and 57.0° C outdoors and in the vehicles and tents. During 1-day recording in the middle of the deployment, skin temperatures were 34-35° C during daytime and maximal core temperature remained mainly below 38.0° C. Body mass decreased (78.4 ± 11.5 kg vs. 75.6 ± 8.6, p = 0.007) during the deployment without changes in fat mass. The sit-up performance increased by 10.9% (46 ± 10 reps·min⻹ vs. 51 ± 7 reps·min⻹, p < 0.01), and the maximal force production of the leg extensor muscles increased (3,042 ± 614 N vs. 3,277 ± 706 N, p < 0.05) without change in the rate of force development. No changes were observed in the push-ups, repeated squats, maximal grip strength, and running distance during the 12-minute test. In conclusion, the soldiers were able to maintain or improve their physical performance during the deployment despite the heat stress. It is important to encourage soldiers to engage in physical training, especially during a thermally appropriate time of the day or in air-conditioned facilities. Monitoring of local heat stress is also recommended.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Esguinces y Distensiones
/
Trastornos de Estrés por Calor
/
Personal Militar
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
/
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Strength Cond Res
Asunto de la revista:
FISIOLOGIA
Año:
2012
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Finlandia