Abstract
A high level of physical activity helps soldiers to fight against many chronic non-communicable pathologies. The aim of the study was to measure the level of physical activity (PA) of soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa, aged 19 to 69. This is a cross-sectional and observational study with a questionnaire survey. It was conducted in the Garrison of Kinshasa where cardiovascular exploration center of the bodies in military health served us as the pilot point, which constituted a convenience sample of 899 soldiers who took part in our survey. The data collection was carried out by a self-questionnaire integrating the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) score of a short version, which informed the practice of physical activity and assessed the usual daily activities, the time spent sitting at work, the use of usual health routes. The study was conducted in the garrison of Kinshasa between October 2020 and February 2021 where all categories of army rank: corporals and soldiers, non-commissioned officers, junior officers, senior officers, aged 19 to 69 years, took part in this study. A total of 899 soldiers responded to the questionnaire, consisting of 797 men and 102 women, 88.7% vs 11.3%. The mean age was 45.4±11.9 years and the mean physical activity scores were significantly different according to age and rank (p=0.007) of soldiers aged 19 to 69 years. It is shown that most of the military were inactive (54.2%) versus 45.8% were active. Of the active members, 34.3% were slightly active, 8.5% moderately active and 3.1% very active. The age of the physical inactivity level increased significantly with the chronological age of the soldier (p=0.045). This physical inactivity was significantly higher among privates & corporals and NCOs (p=0.003). Military personnel with a morbid history had a significantly higher frequency of physical inactivity (p=0.046). This study reveals that the majority of Kinshasa soldiers have a low level of physical activity. This low level of PA exposes them to develop chronic non-communicable pathology. It is suggested that a military PA program be proposed to them so that they improve their PA level.
Highlights
The high levels of physical activity (PA) are considered a daily experience and an operational necessity to maintain the physical capabilities of men and women in uniform (World Health Organization, 2013b)
The data collection was carried out by a self-questionnaire integrating the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) score of a short version, which informed the practice of physical activity and assessed the usual daily activities, the time spent sitting at work, the use of usual health routes
This study reveals that the majority of Kinshasa soldiers have a low level of physical activity
Summary
The high levels of physical activity (PA) are considered a daily experience and an operational necessity to maintain the physical capabilities of men and women in uniform (World Health Organization, 2013b). Physical activity level of the soldiers morphological profile of the Congolese military testifies without ambiguity the low level of practice of physical activity, leading to an inactive lifestyle with serious consequences of premature death of the military, this can be understood as on the abandonment of energy expenditure, which is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular disease with 17.5 million deaths in 2012 (3 out of 10 deaths) (Law & Morris, 2009). This low level of physical activity is a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases is a threat to health. The World Health Organization states each year that there are more than 25 million deaths, are attributed to the low level of PA which is the cause of devastating effects on health (Gaylin & Kates, 1997)
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