The influence of combat simulation exercises on indirect markers of muscle damage in soldiers of the brazilian army

Abstract

The combat simulation exercise is a military activity where combat activities characterized by intense physical activity are simulated. The aim of this study was to describe the behavior of indirect markers of muscle damage during military activities of combat simulation with the realization of strenuous physical efforts. This study was conducted with military recruits/volunteers (n=43; 19-24 age group) from the COMANDOS Army Corporal Training Course. The biomarkers were evaluated at the baseline (T0), 72 hours after the baseline (T1) and 63 hours after the end of the activity (T2). To compare the variables analyzed at different times, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to repeated measures with post hoc Tukey's test to identify the statistically significant differences. The criteria of significance adopted was the value of p<0,05. On average, the total body mass was significantly greater in T0 when compared to T1 (74,4kg x 69,8Kg; p< 0,05). In relation to the biochemical markers, on average, the serum levels were significantly higher (p<0,001) in T1 when compared to T0: CPK, LDH, CRP, Mb and AGPA. After 63 hours of rest, on average, the serum levels of the biochemical markers were significantly lower than in the moment T1: CPK, LDH, CRP, Mb and AGPA. However, after 63 hours of the end of the activity, all variables evaluated returned to baseline, with the exception of LDH, that on an average remained above the values observed in the moment T0. This study made possible to understand the behavior of indirect markers of muscle damage during the COMANDOS Army Corporal Training Course. However, others studies are necessary, regarding to Training Courses such as: paratrooper, mountain, jungle warfare and others to try establish a possible range of reference values for this markers during military activities.

A systematic review of hormone levels, biomarkers of cellular injury and oxidative stress in multi-stressor military field training exercises

“…Higher myoglobin serum levels probably relate to muscle cell damage since it is the result of the release of muscle cell contents into the plasma after cell disruption (3)(4)(5). Only one publication measured this biomarker of cellular injury in relation to the triad of interventions experienced from FTX.…”

“…Only one publication measured this biomarker of cellular injury in relation to the triad of interventions experienced from FTX. It should be noted, however, that other biomarkers of cellular injury, such as creatinkinase (CK), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST), are present in studies that do not simultaneously apply the three different interventions (3,4). Surprisingly, variations in biomarkers of oxidative stress are scarcely studied in relation to FTX.…”

“…When military personnel experience physical exertion and inadequate rest periods, such scenarios typically leads to cellular damage, impaired muscle strength, and a myriad of physical injuries (3). The literature points out that these consequences can be inferred by elevations in the serum biomarkers of muscular damage, hormonal imbalances, and the presence of elevated levels of oxidative agents, all of which can negatively impact military operational readiness (1,3,4).…”

“…Muscle damage can be indicated by increases in the serum levels of specific biomarkers. These can either be related to the rupture of muscle fibers during and after training sessions, with the posterior release of its cell contents into the blood (5), or to other metabolites that originate from different organs, such as the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and brain (3,4). Among the measured biomarkers are alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin (Mb), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGPA) (3,4).…”

“…Although a variety of biomarkers from individuals who have participated in FTX sessions have been previously studied (1)(2)(3)(4)10,13), a compilation of these data would be convenient, especially considering the potential effects of the three abovementioned factors applied together. It is important to identify and understand the individual effects of each of the three factors, yet it is imperative to analyze the simultaneous effects because doing so better reflects the actual scenarios of most military operations that are being simulated by the FTX.…”