Title | Less body fat improves physical and physiological performance in army soldiers. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2011 |
Authors | Crawford K, Fleishman K, Abt JP, Sell TC, Lovalekar M, Nagai T, Deluzio J, Rowe RS, McGrail MA, Lephart SM |
Journal | Mil Med |
Volume | 176 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 35-43 |
Date Published | 2011 Jan |
ISSN | 0026-4075 |
Keywords | Adiposity, Adult, Body Composition, Exercise Test, Humans, Male, Military Personnel, Muscle Strength, Oxygen Consumption, Physical Fitness, United States |
Abstract | The purpose of this study was to compare physical and physiological fitness test performance between Soldiers meeting the Department of Defense (DoD) body fat standard (< or = 18%) and those exceeding the standard (> 18%). Ninety-nine male 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Soldiers were assigned to group 1: < or = 18% body fat (BF) or group 2: > 18% BE. Groups 1 and 2 had similar amounts of fat-free mass (FFM) (66.8 +/- 8.2 vs. 64.6 +/- 8.0, p = 177). Each subject performed a Wingate cycle protocol to test anaerobic power and capacity, an incremental treadmill maximal oxygen uptake test for aerobic capacity, isokinetic tests for knee flexion/extension and shoulder internal/external rotation strength, and the Army Physical Fitness Test. Results showed group 1: < 18% BF performed significantly better on 7 of the 10 fitness tests. In Soldiers with similar amounts of FFM, Soldiers with less body fat had improved aerobic and anaerobic capacity and increased muscular strength. |
DOI | 10.7205/milmed-d-10-00003 |
Alternate Journal | Mil Med |
PubMed ID | 21305957 |