Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Senior Military Officers

Abstract

Over a 5-year period (1986-1990), 1,223 male, senior military officers were tested to determine lipoprotein profiles, body composition (by densitometry), peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak by graded, treadmill walking), and strength (one repetition maximum). Average (+/- SD) VO2 peak and body fat were 44.9 +/- 6.7 ml/kg x min and 24.4 +/- 5.1%, respectively. Although the average VO2 peak of these individuals is in the top 10-15% of this age group, nearly 39% are over-fat (by U.S. Army Regulation 600-9). Mean (+/- SD) total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides were 205 +/- 36, 50 +/- 12, 134 +/- 32, and 108 +/- 71 mg%, respectively. These results reflect an apparently healthy diet and lifestyle, which was strengthened, for the most part, when an average Framingham risk index (FRI) of approximately 2.3 was calculated. The low mean FRI for this group may possibly be attributed to lower total cholesterol and smoking rates than the average 45-year-old man in the Framingham study. The results of the testing indicate that this group generally has a high aerobic capacity, is normotensive, non-obese, and at low risk for the development of cardiovascular disease.