The Influence of Physical Fitness Training on the Manual Material-Handling Capability and Road-Marching Performance of Female Soldiers.

Abstract : This study examined the influence of a combined resistance and aerobic training program on the manual material-handling (MMH) capability and road-marching performance of female soldiers. Subjects were 21 healthy women, 13 of whom completed all phases of the investigation. They trained for 14 weeks, performing progressive resistance training 3 days per week and running with interval training 2 days per week. Compared to values obtained before training, soldiers increased the maximum mass they could lift from floor to knuckle height by 19% (68 to 81 kg, p<0.001) and from floor to chest height by 16% (49 to 57 kg,p<0.001). They improved by 17% their ability to lift 15 kg as many times as possible in 10 minutes (167 to 195 lifts, p<0.001), while perception of effort (measured with the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion) did not change. They improved by 4% their maximal effort road march time over a 5-km distance, carrying a 19-kg load mass (44.7 to 43.1 min, p-0.02). While total body mass did not change, body fat mass was reduced by 9% (18.8 to 17.2 kg, p-0.036) and fat-free mass increased by 6% (48.2 to 51.0 kg, p<0.001). A short-term physical training program, conducted about 1 hour per day, 5 days per week can substantially improve female soldiers' MMH capability, result in a small improvement in road-marching ability, and provide favorable changes in body composition (increased fat-free mass and decreased body fat).