Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Response of Male and Female Soldiers during a Simulated Attack Maneuver

Abstract

The study of organic response during combat is poorly reported in specific literature, despite being essential to improve soldiers training. The aim of the present research was to study the body composition and organic response during a treadmill test simulating the attack maneuver of a light infantry company, studying the differences between soldiers gender. Body composition and organic response in the treadmill test were analyzed in 27 healthy professional soldiers. Body weight was lower and fat mass was higher in female soldiers, and height and muscle mass were higher in male soldiers. In treadmill test, values of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂), oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold and maximal heart rate (HR) and HR at anaerobic threshold, were higher in male soldiers (male vs. female: 51.9±1.2 vs. 50.4±1.3 ml/kg/min; 3278.9±93.9 vs. 2721.8 ml/min; 194.2±1.9 vs. 184.0±6.6 bpm; 181.3±1.8 vs. 171.4±1.7 bpm respectively). During simulated attack maneuver female soldiers presented lower VO2 and higher HR than male soldiers, showing a worse physical fitness level. These data could be used by military coach to improve specific combat training. It is also recommended a decrease in the weigh carried by soldiers and to improve their aerobic performance to maximize the efficiency in last phases of combat maneuvers.