Changes in physical conditions of militars in training: colombian army military school

Abstract

When beginning the military life, a series of loads of trainings is faced, in addition to supporting the discomforts of climate, fatigue, the change of feeding, schedule, among other factors. Therefore, the objective of the study was to know the changes in the physical condition of the students who begin their military training with military physical training. The investigation was quantitative, longitudinal type. A total of 18 male first-degree engineering cadets from the José María Córdova Military School of Cadets (ESMIC) in Bogotá were evaluated. They were given a pre and post-test of body composition, flexibility, resistance and strength and the training program of the Military school. The findings show that after six months of training the cadets increased body weight (64.6 vs. 65.2) in 0.55 (p = 0.002), with a gain of 0.4 kg fat mass (7.9 vs. 8.2g, p = 0.006) and 0.2 kg muscle mass (53.9 vs 54.1g, p = 0.01), in relation to physical abilities there was a decrease in strength in upper limbs (49.4 vs 45.2 p = 0.001) of 4.3 kg and in lower limbs (46.6 vs 43.7, p = 0.000) of 2.9 kg, in terms of aerobic resistance (47.8 vs 48.2)and flexibility (30.8 vs 41.3) there was a slight increase without significant differences. The previous results show possible over-training in the ESMIC cadets; due to the change of habits, specifically physical exercise and lifestyle, leading to an increase in weight, in greater quantity in the fat component and decrease in the physical capacity of strength, which can cause early fatigue, being counterproductive when found in some combat or special situation. This is why a specialized systematic training program is the best option for the optimal development of physical abilities, physical adaptation to the effort and prevention of injuries during the practice. Key messages Injury prevention; Military Personnel; Physical Education and Training. Physical Education and Training; Military Personnel; injury prevention.