Iron status and associations with aerobic performance and stress fracture risk during initial military training

Abstract

Introduction: Sub-optimal changes in iron status have been reported in female soldiers during military training. Poor iron status negatively affects physical performance and may affect bone health, as iron deficiency anaemia has been associated with occurrence of stress fractures. In New Zealand, all soldiers complete 16-weeks initial military training (IMT). The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in iron status indicators during IMT in female soldiers and associations between iron status and functional outcomes, including aerobic performance and stress fractures.