Physical Fitness Tests in the Army-Legitimate Diversity or Randomness?

In this article, I present my views on the diversified approaches to assess the physical fitness of soldiers within selected armies worldwide. I discussed the related common features and paradoxes associated with these approaches. For the comparative analysis, national diversity was taken into account and subjective selection of the physical fitness tests conducted in the armies of the United States, Finland, Germany, India, China, Israel, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Poland was done. An analysis of the physical fitness tests reveals significant variations, despite the purpose of the assessment being the same, that is, to evaluate a soldier's physical preparedness for combat tasks. Based on the analysis, I categorize the variation in physical fitness tests of soldiers at four levels: (1) single-system function tests (e.g., push-ups, sit-ups) vs. multi-system tests (obstacle courses), (2) considering health aspects vs. not considering health aspects during physical fitness tests, (3) motor components vs. coordination components (e.g.,balance), and (4) tests differentiated by gender and age vs.tests not differentiated by gender and age. In conclusion, I am in favor of multi-system tests, comprised of obstacle courses mirroring potential situations in combat tasks. In my opinion, multi-system tests are superior compared to single-system function tests since they enable a comprehensive assessment of effort, coordination, and mental predispositions necessary for functioning in real-life conditions. I also support physical fitness evaluation that is not differentiated based on a soldier's gender and age, as there is no logical justification for such distinctions.

Assessment of the Level of Physical Activity and Body Mass Index of Soldiers of the Polish Air Force.

Level of physical activity positively affects health condition, correlates highly with level of physical fitness and contributes to the efficient performance of military tasks. The aim of the study was to assess the level of physical activity and body mass index of the Polish Air Force soldiers. A total of 543 professional soldiers (men) doing military service in military units of the Polish Air Force underwent the examination. The average age of examined soldiers amounted to 34.8 ± 9.0 years. In order to carry out the research, the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Out of the total of 477 questionnaires that qualified for the analysis, a high level of physical activity was found among 81.1% of subjects, moderate 10.5% and low 8.4%. Average MET values were obtained in the following: job-related, relocation (transportation), housekeeping, recreation (leisure activities and sport). The average MET values were 4173 ± 5306 MET; 2371 ± 2725 MET; 2455 ± 4843 MET; 2421 ± 2802 MET, respectively. The average level of body mass index amounted to 25.98 ± 3.38 kg/m2. The tested Air Force soldiers were generally characterized by a high and moderate level of physical activity. Generally, there was no difference in the level of physical activity between the flight crew and the ground staff.

Assessment of Energy Expenditure of Police Officers Trained in Polish Police Schools and Police Training Centers.

Knowledge of the energy expenditure related to the training of policemen allows for assessment of the intensity of the work performed and is an indispensable element of planning and implementing nutrition. This study on energy expenditure comprised a total of 280 persons, students of two Polish police schools and two police training centers. The energy expenditure of policemen was determined based on measurements of the heart rate using Polar RC3 GPS heart rate monitors. The energy expenditure of policemen associated with the training process in the police schools and training centers ranged from 1793 to 3043 kcal/8 h and amounted to 2314 ± 945 kcal/8 h during training on average. The values of energy expenditure related to a typical training day in Polish institutions conducting police training are diverse and depend on the specificity and nature of the training. According to the criteria for assessing the burden of work, the work performed by police officers can be classified as hard work and very hard work.

Assessment of the Body Composition and Bone Calcification of Students of Police Schools and Police Training Centers in Poland-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The 21st century is considered the age of malnutrition resulting in the unprecedented frequency of civilization diseases. Among these disorders, obesity is particularly distinguished and considered an epidemic-scale disease. For this reason, conducting studies on obesity and counteracting this phenomenon is essential. Research from recent years indicates a problem of excessive body weight among officers of uniformed services, who should be characterized by good health and fitness level due to the specificity of the work. As the problem of obesity affects every fourth Pole, research in uniformed services seems to be essential from health and national security perspectives. The presented study aimed to determine the elements of nutritional status in 289 students of Polish police schools and police training centers. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and bone calcification assessment was conducted by the DXA densitometric method. Based on BMI and body fat content, body weight disorders were found in 31.8% of all examined students. Densitometric test results showed changes in bone calcification of varying severity in 26.6% of the total number of respondents. The presence of obesity in students of police schools and training centers proves that the present nutrition model is energetically unbalanced, while the demonstrated disorders of bone calcification indicate an improper condition of mineral nutrition.

Association between Diet, Physical Activity and Nutritional Status of Male Border Guard Officers.

The main factors that determine the effectiveness and reliability of duties and tasks performed by border guard officers, are very good health and maintaining a high level of psychophysical fitness that depend mainly on adequate diet and physical activity and thus, nutritional status. The aim of the study was to verify the correlations between dietary habits, physical activity level and selected nutritional status indicators. One hundred and sixty-nine male border guard officers participated in the study. A 61-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary habits and a long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and bone calcification was assessed by the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Many correlations between dietary habits, as well as the physical activity of officers and body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and visceral fat level (VFL) were found, while bone mineral density (BMD T-score) negatively correlated only with two food groups and 6 out of 61 products but did not correlate with physical activity. The results also confirmed many poor dietary habits and abnormalities in nutritional status. Thus, there is a need for nutritional education and further monitoring of health-related behaviors, as well as monitoring the nutritional status of border guard officers.

Survival Training Effects on Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage Biomarkers of Naval Cadets.

INTRODUCTION: It is important for military commanders to know the extent of fatigue experienced by soldiers undergoing a long-term military training. This knowledge can enable them to determine the level of physical capabilities of soldiers. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in the level of chosen biochemical parameters in blood during the survival training of Polish Naval Academy cadets.METHODS: Participating voluntarily in the research study were 14 cadets. All subjects were men, ages 23.1 2.0 yr. During the 36-h survival training, the subjects were deprived of sleep. The following biochemical parameters were assessed in venous blood collected from the cadets: creatine kinase (CK) activity, concentration of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx).RESULTS: After 36 h of training a significant increase was observed in CK (from 183.1 up to 530.2 U L1), LOOHs (from 1.72 up to 3.74 mol L1), and GPx (from 27.4 up to 36.4 U gHb1). After 12 h of rest, the level of LOOHs returned to the initial level, GPx activity did not change significantly, and CK activity was significantly higher than those at baseline (422.3 U L1).DISCUSSION: The 36-h survival training increased oxidative stress, which contributed to the damage to muscle cells in the group of cadets of the Polish Naval Academy. The intensity of postexercise changes in the level of oxidative damage indicators is dependent on the initial level of enzymatic antioxidant defense. The 12-h recovery proved to be too short to regenerate the damaged muscle tissue.Tomczak A, Jwko E, Raski P. Survival training effects on oxidative stress and muscle damage biomarkers of naval cadets. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(9):720724.

Assessment of the Levels of Oxidative Stress, Muscle Damage, and Psychomotor Abilities of Special Force Soldiers during Military Survival Training.

The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in biochemical markers of oxidative stress and muscle damage, as well as psychomotor abilities during a military survival training. The study included 15 soldiers of special unit (SU), that completed 48 h military survival training combined with sleep deprivation. Before the training (P1), after 24 h (P2), and after 48 h of training (P3), blood samples were taken to measure biochemical markers. At the same time points, the measurements of divided attention and handgrip strength were conducted. Glutathione peroxidase activity decreased significantly at P3, in comparison with P1 and P2 (p < 0.0001), however, no changes were observed in other biochemical markers (i.e., lipid hydroperoxides, creatine kinase and superoxide dismutase activity) throughout the survival training (p > 0.05). The divided attention index was improved significantly at P2 and P3, as compared to P1 (p < 0.05). A tendency to change in maximum strength was found during the training period (main time effect; p = 0.08). Moreover, the strength differentiation (i.e., 50% maximum strength; 50%max) was higher at P3 than at P1 and P2 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the 48 h survival training in the SU soldiers does not cause oxidative stress or muscle tissue damage, as well as any deterioration, and even improvement in psychomotor abilities. However, the change in strength differentiation (i.e., the production above 60%max instead of target 50%max) after the training may point to deterioration in motor control. Although it should be confirmed in further study with a more numerous group of soldiers, our findings indicate that the special unit soldiers will be able to perform, in a correct manner, specialized tasks related to their long-term activities, especially those which require divided attention. However, participation in long-term survival training, even with low workload, combined with sleep deprivation, results in a deterioration in motor control which may indicate the relevance of monitoring coordination motor abilities/skills in the training process of special unit soldiers.

Association Between Diet, Physical Activity and Body Mass Index, Fat Mass Index and Bone Mineral Density of Soldiers of the Polish Air Cavalry Units.

Research from recent years indicates a problem of excessive body weight among soldiers, who, due to the kind of work carried out, should possess good health and fitness levels. The aim of the study was to determine the association between diet and physical activity and the nutritional status of soldiers of the Polish Air Cavalry Units. One hundred and twenty male soldiers (aged 28 ± 5 years) completed a questionnaire (food frequency questionnaire, long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire). Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and bone calcification of the forearm was assessed by the DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) densitometric method. This study confirmed the association between both the diet and physical activity and body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and bone mineral density (BMD) expressed as T-score. Significant negative correlations were found between BMI and the frequency of consumption of cereal products, meat products and fish, and nonalcoholic beverages, between FMI and cereal products, and between BMD T-score and meat products and fish, fat, nuts, and grains, sweets and snacks, and nonalcoholic beverages. Physical activity expressed as metabolic equivalent (MET-minutes/week) negatively correlated with FMI (but not BMI) and positively correlated with the BMD T-score. This study confirmed numerous irregularities in eating behavior and in nutritional status indices; therefore, there is a need for nutritional education and further monitoring of both dietary behaviors and nutritional status of soldiers.

Fat Mass Index and dietary behaviours of the Polish Border Guard officers

Background: Due to specific requirements of service, Border Guard officers should be characterized by good health. Whereas there is lack of studies assessing nutritional status as well as dietary behaviours among Polish Border Guard officers. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of dietary behaviours of the Polish Border Guard officers on the Fat Mass Index. Material and methods: The study was carried out with participation of 250 Border Guard officers (187 men and 63 women), aged 37±6; years of service: 12±6. Nutritional status was determined with the electrical bioimpedance method using the TANITA MC-780 analyzer. According to the calculated Fat Mass Index value each person was qualified to one of the following groups: fat deficit, normal fat or excess fat. The Border Guard officers were asked to fill in the original questionnaire containing questions about nutritional behaviours in line with the recommendations of the Swiss Food Pyramid for Athletes in the basic version. Results: The excessive amount of fat in every third officer of the Border Guard and numerous irregularities in eating behaviours were found. According to the food pyramid the smallest scale of rational dietary choices (especially regularity of meals, fruit and vegetable consumption) was characteristic of officers with excess fat. In addition, officers from the excess fat group obtained, on average, a lower sum of points for compliance of nutritional behaviours with the recommendations of the Swiss Food Pyramid than those from other groups (49% vs. 59% and 56%, p=0.002). Conclusions: There is a need for nutritional education and further monitoring of both the nutritional status and dietary behaviours of Border Guard officers.

Changes in Coordination Motor Abilities of Naval Academy Cadets During Military Survival Training.

INTRODUCTION: Armed conflicts tend to be unpredictable to such an extent that the fact that seamen also have to fight for their survival on land cannot be excluded. The aim of the study was to determine the degree of changes in selected coordination motor abilities in the course of a 36-h military survival training of Naval Academy cadets.METHODS: There were 14 Polish Naval Academy cadets, ages 20-27 yr, who were examined 4 times: pretraining, after 24 h, posttraining, and after a 12-h rest. Tests related to the following issues were carried out: divided attention, shooting performance, strength of forearm muscles and ability of its differentiations, body balance, and running motor adjustment. During the training soldiers had to perform the following tasks: first aid in the battlefield, building, water crossing to the enemy base, marching to the azimuth, operations in the recon team, and conducting observations.RESULTS: The maximum strength of forearm muscles during the training decreased from 7-10% during each and every measurement. The ability to differentiate the strength of the forearm muscles after the night part of the training deteriorated (about 9%). There was a systematic deterioration of the ability to maintain balance (between P1 and P4 by 24%).CONCLUSION: A 36-h training at a survival school varied the selected coordination motor abilities. Training should include exercises that develop an ability to differentiate muscle strength, motor adjustment, and balance. These exercises fall within the scope of coordination exercises that can be performed during obligatory physical education classes.Tomczak A, Rózanski P, Jówko E. Changes in coordination motor abilities of naval academy cadets during military survival training. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(7):632-636.

Effects of a 36-h Survival Training with Sleep Deprivation on Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage Biomarkers in Young Healthy Men.

The aim of this study was to analyze changes in oxidative stress and muscle damage markers during a 36-h survival training combined with sleep deprivation. The study included 23 male students of physical education (specialty: Physical Education for Uniformed Services), randomly divided into the survival or control group. The students in the survival group completed a 36-h survival training with moderate to low physical activity, without the possibility to sleep. The students in the control group performed only physical activity included in daily routines and had a normal sleep pattern. No significant changes in measured parameters were seen in the control group throughout the study period. In the survival group, plasma lipid hydroperoxides (LHs) and creatine kinase (CK) activity increased at 24 h and remained elevated up to 36 h (main effects for LHs: time, p = 0.006 and group × time, p = 0.00008; main effects for CK: time, p = 0.000001, group, p = 0.005, and group × time, p = 0.000001). A 12-h recovery was sufficient to normalize both LHs and CK to the pre-training level; in fact, the post-recovery LHs and CK levels were even lower than at baseline. Residual total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plasma (without the major constituents: uric acid and albumin) was elevated at both 24 h and 36 h of survival training, but not following a 12-h recovery (main effects: group, p = 0.001 and group × time, p = 0.04). In turn, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in whole blood and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes decreased between 24 h and 36 h of survival training (main group effect for GPx, p = 0.038 and SOD, p = 0.045). In conclusion, these findings imply that a 36-h survival training with sleep deprivation impairs enzymatic antioxidant defense, increases lipid peroxidation, and induces muscle damage. Our findings also indicate that at least in the case of young physically active men, a 12-h recovery after the 36-h period of physical activity with sleep deprivation may be sufficient for the normalization of oxidative and muscle damage markers and restoration of blood prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis.

Effect of 3-year education in the Main Fire Service School on the fitness level of students.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine changes in the fitness level among students of the Main Fire Service School during 3-year's education. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 75 male and 5 female students took part in the study. Fitness level measurements were carried out before beginning the studies (Measurement 0) and after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd years at the school (Measurement 1, 2, 3). The following tests were performed to estimate level of physical fitness for men: pull-ups on a bar, a 50 m sprint and 1,000 m run, and for women: sit-ups, medical ball (2 kg) throw from above the head and a 4 x10 m shuttle run. RESULTS: General fitness level (average number of points from 3 attempts) of the male and female students improved. Improvement of fitness level between Measurement 0 (male students 60.3p.±7.58; female students 61.60p.±3.08), and Measurements 1, 2, 3 (men 64.59p.±6.87; 64.41p.±7.17; 64.03p.±7.65 and women 68.40p.±1.99; 66.67p.±2.36; 68.87±1.87 respectively), was found. The same relationship was found while analysing results of individual competitions. Only speed endurance (anaerobic-aerobic) assessed during Measurement 0 at 64.03p.±10.23, decreased after the 1st year at the school (Measurement 1 - 59.29p.±14.14) and remained on the same level during Measurements 2 and 3 (60.25p.±11.20 and 58.56p. ±12.80, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Speed endurance (anaerobic-aerobic) is a capability which decreased among the students in the subsequent years. Because this capability highly correlates with activities that a fire-fighter will perform during rescue operations, it should be treated as a matter of priority during physical education classes in the Main Fire Service School.

Psychomotor performance of Polish Air Force cadets after 36 hours of survival training.

INTRODUCTION: The preparation of Polish Air Force cadets for survival in isolation is a necessary element of their training, to demonstrate just how difficult can be the conditions they could encounter in a combat situation. Objective. The aim of the research was to assess the effect of long-term survival training on selected coordination motor skills in Air Force cadets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen air force cadets aged 19.6±0.3 years exercised for 36 hours during survival training without the possibility to sleep. They were examined 4 times: Day 1 - before effort (training), Day 2 - after 24 hours training, Day 3 - directly after 36 hours training, Day 4 - next day, after an all night rest. They were examined for shooting and reaction time, the ability to maintain body balance, running motor adjustment, handgrip force differentiation, and on Days 1 and 3, exercise capacity was evaluated with a 1 mile walking test. RESULTS: The survival training resulted in significant decreases in maximum handgrip strength, corrected 50% max handgrip, maintenance of body balance and heart rate. No changes occurred in reaction time, running motor adjustment and shooting performance. Overnight rest did not result in recovery of any of the examined factors to the values observed on Day 1. CONCLUSIONS: Survival training combined with sleep deprivation mostly affected peripheral factors depending on strong action from both muscles and nervous system, whereas complex tasks involving short-term central alertness and moderate exertion were maintained. In order to improve performance, more endurance strength training, if possible combined with sleep deprivation, should be introduced in military training.

Physical activity, nutritional status, and dietary habits of students of a medical university.

Nutritional habits and physical activity influence the health status of young adults. In this study, we engaged a group of 151 students from a medical university (90 female and 61 male subjects). Anthropometric parameters, dietary habits (a 7-day dietary recall), and level of physical activity were measured. It was found that the daily food rations of female (F) and male (M) students were improperly balanced and characterized by high amount of total and animal protein, phosphorus, vitamin A, cholesterol, and insufficient intake of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. Female subjects consumed low amounts of total fat and calcium. The intake of protein (total and animal), fat, phosphorus, and cholesterol correlated with higher body mass. The physical activity of the students was found to be higher than the average physical activity of the European Union populations, and a general tendency of lowering level of physical activity with age was observed. Students with the highest level of physical activity (MET > 1500) consumed lower amounts of simple carbohydrates (galactose and saccharose) when compared to students with lower physical activity (MET < 600, p < 0.05). Therefore, this study concluded that the dietary habits should be modified to prevent the development of diet-dependent diseases. Various forms of physical activity should be proposed to students and they should be encouraged to participate in high level of physical activity so as to promote good health status.

Influence of Military Training and Standardized Nutrition in Military Unit on Soldiers' Nutritional Status and Physical Fitness.

Tomczak, A, Bertrandt, J, Klos, A, and Klos, K. Influence of military training and standardized nutrition in military unit on soldiers' nutritional status and physical fitness. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2774-2780, 2016-Despite suspension of conscription in Polish Army, trainings of soldiers are still carried out. It is expected that they will be effective and will contribute to obtaining optimum level of psychophysical efficiency that enables fulfillment of military tasks. Total of 60 soldiers took part in the study. During the 9-month military service, soldiers had 200 hours of physical training and basic military training (shooting, drill, anti-chemical training, topography, general tactics, and military equipment operation). The training lasted 8 hours everyday. To assess fitness level, 4 trials were done: long jump, pull-ups, sit-ups, and 1,000 m run. Evaluation of food was based on the analysis of full board menus using the "Tables of composition and nutritional value of food products." Energy value was assessed, and content of basic nutrients was calculated. Assessment of nutritional status was based on anthropometric measurements, such as body height, body mass, and thickness of 4 selected skinfolds. Body height and body mass were the basis for the body mass index calculation. Soldiers serving in the mechanized infantry unit, after completing the training, got better results only in 1,000 m run (from 250.3 to 233.61 seconds). During the research, an average energy value of a daily food ration planned for consumption was 4,504 kcal. This value consisted of 13.2% of energy from protein, 31.9% of energy from fat, and 54.9% from carbohydrates. In the course of military service, percentage of subjects indicating overweight increased from 10.2 to 25.4%.

Coordination Motor Skills of Military Pilots Subjected to Survival Training.

Survival training of military pilots in the Polish Army gains significance because polish pilots have taken part in more and more military missions. Prolonged exercise of moderate intensity with restricted sleep or sleep deprivation is known to deteriorate performance. The aim of the study was thus to determine the effects of a strenuous 36-hour exercise with restricted sleep on selected motor coordination and psychomotor indices. Thirteen military pilots aged 30-56 years were examined twice: pretraining and posttraining. The following tests were applied: running motor adjustment (15-m sprint, 3 × 5-m shuttle run, 15-m slalom, and 15-m squat), divided attention, dynamic body balance, handgrip strength differentiation. Survival training resulted in significant decreases in maximum handgrip strength (from 672 to 630 N), corrected 50% max handgrip (from 427 to 367 N), error 50% max (from 26 to 17%), 15-m sprint (from 5.01 to 4.64 m·s), and 15-m squat (2.20 to 1.98 m·s). The training improvements took place in divided attention test (from 48.2 to 57.2%). The survival training applied to pilots only moderately affected some of their motor adjustment skills, the divided attention, and dynamic body balance remaining unaffected or even improved. Further studies aimed at designing a set of tests for coordination motor skills and of soldiers' capacity to fight for survival under conditions of isolation are needed.