William R Conkright1, Nicholas D Barringer2, Paula B Lescure3, Kimberly A Feeney3, Martha A Smith4, Bradley C Nindl5. 1. Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, Neuromuscular Research Laboratory & Warrior Human Performance Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, United States; Nutrition Care Division, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, United States. Electronic address: wrc@pitt.edu. 2. 75th Ranger Regiment, United States; Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, United States. 3. Nutrition Care Division, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, United States. 4. Nutrition Care Division, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, United States; Nutrition Care Division, W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center, United States. 5. Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, Neuromuscular Research Laboratory & Warrior Human Performance Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, United States.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate tactically-related physical performance and body composition recovery following U.S. Army Ranger training. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. METHODS: Physical performance was comprehensively assessed using a tactically-related performance battery (i.e., Ranger Athlete Warrior assessment) in 10 male Soldiers at baseline (BL) two-weeks (P1), and six-weeks (P2) post-Ranger School. Body composition was determined using DXA. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used followed by Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons when group differences existed (p≤0.05). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish associations between changes in fitness and body composition. RESULTS: All performance domains except the bench press and deadlift worsened following training. Speed/mobility (Illinois agility test, seconds - BL: 16.20±0.86 vs. P2: 18.66±2.09), anaerobic capacity (300-yard shuttle run, seconds - BL: 62.95±6.17 vs. P2: 67.23±5.91), core strength (heel clap, repetitions - BL: 15.80±4.08 vs. P2: 11.50±4.95), and aerobic endurance (beep test, stage - BL: 9.95±2.18 vs. P2: 7.55±1.07) had not recovered by P2. Only upper body muscular endurance and strength (metronome push-up and pull-up, respectively) were similar to BL by P2. Percent body fat increased from 15.62±3.94 (BL) to 19.33±2.99 (P2) (p<0.001). There were no significant associations between changes in body composition and performance. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive characterization of physical performance and body composition revealed Rangers did not experience full recovery of fitness six weeks after training. Optimal recovery strategies are needed to return Soldiers to a state of readiness following arduous training. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate tactically-related physical performance and body composition recovery following U.S. Army Ranger training. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. METHODS: Physical performance was comprehensively assessed using a tactically-related performance battery (i.e., Ranger Athlete Warrior assessment) in 10 male Soldiers at baseline (BL) two-weeks (P1), and six-weeks (P2) post-Ranger School. Body composition was determined using DXA. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used followed by Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons when group differences existed (p≤0.05). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish associations between changes in fitness and body composition. RESULTS: All performance domains except the bench press and deadlift worsened following training. Speed/mobility (Illinois agility test, seconds - BL: 16.20±0.86 vs. P2: 18.66±2.09), anaerobic capacity (300-yard shuttle run, seconds - BL: 62.95±6.17 vs. P2: 67.23±5.91), core strength (heel clap, repetitions - BL: 15.80±4.08 vs. P2: 11.50±4.95), and aerobic endurance (beep test, stage - BL: 9.95±2.18 vs. P2: 7.55±1.07) had not recovered by P2. Only upper body muscular endurance and strength (metronome push-up and pull-up, respectively) were similar to BL by P2. Percent body fat increased from 15.62±3.94 (BL) to 19.33±2.99 (P2) (p<0.001). There were no significant associations between changes in body composition and performance. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive characterization of physical performance and body composition revealed Rangers did not experience full recovery of fitness six weeks after training. Optimal recovery strategies are needed to return Soldiers to a state of readiness following arduous training. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords:
Body composition; Calorie restriction; Military personnel; Physical fitness; Readiness
Authors: Ting Zhu; Yuxiang Hu; Jooyeon Hwang; Dan Zhao; Libin Huang; Liang Qiao; Ankui Wei; Xin Xu Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-10-11 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Tommi Ojanen; Keijo Häkkinen; Jaakko Hanhikoski; Heikki Kyröläinen Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-10-30 Impact factor: 3.390