Assessment of physical training effect in military personnel cohort

Military training is characterized with high physical endurance exercises and psychological load. Physical endurance capacities are being developed during military training and it also have impact to the body composition parameters. Analysis of anthropometric parameters and summarizing data of body composition parameters changes have topicality for support physical fitness capacity and good health of miltary personnel during high physical endurance exercises. The purpose of the study is providing assessment of body composition status at the beginning and at the end of four month long military training period. We have examined military personnel (n=74) in aged from 21 years till 30 years, of both genders (male (n=65) and female (n=9). The study was conducted in National Defence academy of Latvia, the study group included cadets - combat training course participants. Training included various sports exercises and tactical marches (10-15 km) weekly. The bio impedance method was used for determining body composition parameters (fat mass, muscle mass, hydration level, bone mass), as well anthropometric measurements were taken and calculation of anthropometric indices were provided Assessment of anthropometric parameters and body composition components revealed changes during higher physical load. The visceral fat level grown up in 53.8 % of respondents, and in 15.4 % of respondents slowed down,  the changes of visceral fat level were not being fixed in 30.7% of respondents. The muscle mass value increased in 51.6% of respondents and decreased in 48.4 % of respondents Analysis of changes of body composition allows evaluate four month long military training effect. Study group participants have various physical preparedness and fitness level, the physical load level during four month long military training induced changes of individual body composition parameters, that is essential in adapting physical training program.