EVEN ONE IS TOO MUCH: SOLE PRESENCE OF ONE OF THE RISK FACTORS OVERWEIGHT, LACK OF EXERCISE, AND SMOKING REDUCES PHYSICAL FITNESS OF YOUNG SOLDIERS

Health and physical fitness are key factors for soldiers. Increased sedentary military work, significant sitting periods during commuting and leisure time, and unhealthy dietary habits have caused a considerable increase in the number of physically unfit soldiers. Even worse, the adoption of harmful lifestyle habits occurs increasingly earlier in life. The aim of this cross-sectional study was (a) to determine the physical fitness of young male soldiers and (b) to investigate the association between physical fitness and both the presence and frequency of the health risk factors overweight, smoking, and lack of exercise. A total of 4,553 volunteers aged 18-25 years performed the Basis Fitness Test consisting of the 3 disciplines agility (11 3 10 m shuttle sprint), strength (flexed-arm hang), and endurance (1,000-m run). The presence and frequency of risk factors were determined by means of anthropometric measures (body mass index, waist circumference) and questionnaire data. The portion of soldiers without risk factors decreased from 49.4% (18-year-olds) to 16.4% for 25-year-olds. Persons without risk factors completed the agility test in 41.1 +/- 3.7 seconds, flexedarm hang in 60.1 +/- 19.7 seconds, and 1,000-m run in 235 +/- 32 seconds. Physical performance in all dimensions tested (agility, strength, endurance) notably deteriorated with the sole presence of one of the risk factors overweight, smoking, and lack of exercise. Any further risk factor led to further fitness decreases (p, 0.001). Mean performances of soldiers with 3 risk factors were 46.7 +/- 4.1 seconds (11 x 10 m shuttle sprint), 27.6 +/- 6.4 seconds (flexed-arm hang), and 298 +/- 45 seconds (1,000-m run). Impacts of unhealthy lifestyles and significant losses in physical fitness are already visible in young male soldiers. Armed Forces must intensify their efforts to maintain health and performance of their soldiers.