Anthropometric parameters and biochemical markers of military personnel under the influence of high physical and psychological loads

Abstract

Physical fitness, health, and physical endurance are important attributes of persons in military. The purpose of the present study was to assess the changes of anthropometric parameters and of biochemical markers in blood serum for participants of a one-week combat training course (CTC) during which participants had high physical and psychological loads in combination with dietary limitation and sleep deprivation. High physical and psychological loads cause changes in the level of biochemical markers that are indicative of musculoskeletal system dysfunction. The study group included participants (n = 59) of both genders aged 23 to 30 years. Anthropometric parameters (body mass, height, body mass index) were determined. Blood plasma analyses were done before and directly after CTC. Biomarkers like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were measured. Data were analysed by using SPSS 20. We determined levels of anthropometric parameters before, during and after a combat training course. The body mass decreased during the one-week training course, until the sixth day of combat training course, when the peak of physical and emotional stress was reached. The level of biomarkers lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase sharply increased after the combat training course. A high physical load caused changes in biochemical markers, indicating musculoskeletal dysfunction in healthy young persons. The study underlines the importance of checking the health status of military personnel before and after exercises with high physical and psychological loads in order to prevent major health disorders in the combat environment.