The effect of five weeks of basic military training on physical fitness and blood biochemical factors in obese military recruits just conscripted into the army

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 5 weeks of basic military training on the physical fitness and blood biochemical factors in obese military recruits. METHODS: Forty-eight male recruits (20-25 years of age) were randomly assigned to the Control group and Exercise group. Both groups completed 5 weeks of basic military training. The Exercise group additionally performed a resistance exercise twice daily in the morning and afternoon (1-3 sets, 3 days per week) and power walking (60-80% HRmax, 30 minutes) four times weekly. Four body composition variables, physical fitness factors, serum lipid profiles, and obesity-related hormone levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Body weight, body fat ratio, body mass index, and waist circumference were significantly decreased in both groups between pre-and post-exercise tests (p