Visceral Fat, Physical Fitness and Biochemical Markers of Brazilian Military Personnel

Abstract

Introduction: Adipocyte volume (fat accumulation) in different parts of the body may play different roles in the metabolism and in the appearance of cardiovascular risk factors. Most studies indicate that the regional distribution of body fat seems to be more important than excess adiposity per se. High levels of physical activity are associated with lower total and visceral body fat levels. Military physical training is of paramount importance for the health and performance of soldiers in the Brazilian Army. In this context, physical evaluation will provide data on the main physical benefits involved in military tasks. Objective: Verify the relationship between visceral fat (VF), physical performance and biochemical markers of soldiers in the Brazilian Army. Methods: The sample consisted of 41 (38.9 ± 2.2 years) Brazilian male military personnel. VF was obtained with a Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry densitometry device. The biochemical analysis included fasting glycemia, triglycerides (TG) and HDL-C levels. Physical performance was evaluated through two tests (12-min run and pull-ups). The Shapiro-Wilk test confirmed the normality of the variables. Pearson's correlation test was then applied, with a p-value of <0.05. Results: Significant negative correlations of VF were found with the results of both physical tests (Pull-ups r = −0.59; 12-min r = −0.61). The only biochemical variable that had a significant positive correlation with VF was TG (r = 0.44). Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant negative association between VF and physical tests. A significant positive association between VF and TG was also found. Level of Evidence I; Diagnostic studies - Investigation of a diagnostic test.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT) in Police and Military in Brazil: A Systematic Review

“…The participant performs as many correct sit ups as possible in 60 seconds. [9][10][11][12][13]15,16,19 In the article by Rodrigues et al 18 the numbers of sit ups were considered inadequate, which was related to high values of BMI. In the article by Esteves et al 11 conditioning was also considered inappropriate, however, BMI was classified as normal, and thus, the relationship between BMI and physical fitness was found.…”

“…Then, estimated VO2 Max results are calculated by specific formulas. 9,12,[14][15][16][17][18][19] Results of the selected articles suggest that the increase in age, BMI and %BF negatively affect the performance in the 12-minute walk/run test. 12,16,18 Also, individuals with better performance had lower BMI and Waist Perimeter (WP).…”

“…9,12,[14][15][16][17][18][19] Results of the selected articles suggest that the increase in age, BMI and %BF negatively affect the performance in the 12-minute walk/run test. 12,16,18 Also, individuals with better performance had lower BMI and Waist Perimeter (WP). 14 The 3,200m, 1,600m, 20m ST and TST (9,1%) were also used for cardiac evaluation.…”

“…The most reported tests were one-minute sit-ups (1 MA) [9][10][11][12][13]15,16,19 and 12-minute run/walk, both in eight articles (72.7%); 9,12,[14][15][16][17][18][19] followed by push-ups in five articles (45.5%); 10,11,12,15,19 pull-ups in four articles (36.4%); 9,12,13,18 Flexitest (FT) in two articles (18.18%); 15,19 and running tests (3,200m, 1,600m, or 50m), 13,17,9 treadmill stress test (TST), 11 shuttle run (SR) 10 test, the Wells bench (WB) 10 test, and 100-meter swimming test (100mST) 13 in one article each (12.5%).…”

“…As for the experimental design, five (45.5%) 11,12,15,18,19 articles with descriptive statistics were identified, four (36.4%) [12][13][14]16 registry data evaluation, two (18.2%) 10,13 made comparisons between groups, one (9.1 %) 17 comparison between tests and one (9.1%) 9 comparisons between conditions before and after intervention, and one articles used more than one of methods. 9 Nine articles used anthropometric evaluation nine involving measurement of body mass index (BMI) (81.8%) [9][10][11]13,14,[16][17][18][19] , four %BF (36.6%) 10,11,16,18 , three waist circumference (WC) (27.3%) 10,11,14 and one waisthipratio (9,1%) 11 . One article reported hemodynamic data on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (9.1%) 11 ; and one evaluated perception of effort (9.1%) 17 , and one article (9.1%) 9 evaluated injuries during the intervention.…”