PHYSICAL FITNESS TRAINING IMPROVES THE MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING CAPABILITY OF WOMEN 469

Abstract

Abstract : This study examined the influence of a combined resistance and aerobic training program on the manual material handling (MMH) capability and road marching performance of female soldiers. Subjects were 21 healthy women, 13 of which completed all phases of the investigation. They trained for 14 weeks, performing progressive resistance training 3 days per week, and running with interval training 2 days per week. Compared to values obtained before training, soldiers increased the maximum mass they could lift from floor to knuckle height by 19% (68 to 81 kg, p 0.001) and from floor to chest height by 16% (49 to 57 kg, p 0.001). They improved by 17% their ability to lift 15 kg as many times as possible in 10-min (167 to 195 lifts, p 0.001), while perception of effort (measured with the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion) did not change. They improved by 4% their maximal effort road march time over a 5 km distance, carrying a 19-kg load mass (44.7 to 43.1 min, p=O.02). While total body mass did not change, body fat mass was reduced by 9% (18.8 to 17.2 kg, p=O.036) and fat free mass increased by 6% (48.2 to 51.0 kg, p 0.001). A short term physical fitness program, conducted about 1 hour per day, 5 days per week can substantially improve female soldiers' MMH capability, result in a small improvement in road marching ability, and provide favorable changes in body composition.