Effect of the advanced combat course on conditioning physical qualities and anthropometric characteristics in students of the General José María Córdova Military School of Cadets in Bogotá D.C.

Abstract

The National Army of Colombia guarantees the education of their students from advanced combat courses, which simulate real military operations. This article seeks to determines the effect of the advanced combat course on physical qualities and anthropometric characteristics in students of the Military School. For this, an observational, descriptive study with an analytical component was carried out, whose subjects were measured before and after the Combat Course. The sample included 113 participants, 26 women and 87 men with an average age of 22 ± 1.3 years, belonging to the Colombian Military Cadet School. The variables that were measured were weight, height, waist circumference and body mass index, the maximum indirect VO2 with the Leger test, the maximum force of the upper quadrant with the bench press coupled to the T-Force^® system, prehensile and back strength with dynamometry and flexibility with the Sit and Reach test. Results: The following variables showed change: controlled by gender: waist circumference p <.001, BMI p = .000847, flexibility p = .0147, back dynamometry p = 5.12e 05 and the variable RM p = 9.26e-06; controlling for gender and laterality: left grip strength p <.001. There was a reduction of BMI and waist circumference and significant increase in isometric trunk extensor force with decreased lumbar and hamstring flexibility, which generates rigidity, stability of the trunk allowing to support postures and loads. Students developed superior levels of maximum strength in upper limbs and left prehensile strength, improving the ability to hold loads.