Dynamics of Body Component Composition Indicators in Males During Studying at the Military Medical University

Abstract

The study of anthropometric indicators and body composition of various categories of the population makes it possible to monitor physical development, conduct health assessments and timely development of preventive measures. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the dynamics of indicators of the component composition of the body of military university cadets during the training period from 1st to 6th year. Material and methods. 387 male cadets (the same persons) were examined during the period of their studies in 1-6 courses. The component composition of the body was studied using bioimpedance measurements. Results. It has been shown that during the first two courses of study (persons 17-18 years old) there is an increase in muscle mass of the trunk by 13.8%, muscle mass of the upper extremities - by 11.4% and lower extremities - by 6.1%, which is explained by the presence intense physical activity. Moreover, during the first year of study, a slight increase in the fat component of the body is determined (5.4%). In the third and fourth years of study, there is a stabilization and slowdown in the growth of the formed muscle and fat masses of the trunk and limbs, characteristic of the transition period from adolescence to adulthood. These trends continued to increase throughout the 5th year of study, but the level of basal metabolism did not change significantly throughout the study. In the 6th year, in relation to the time of admission to university, a general increase in the muscle component of the torso was established by 17.2%, muscle mass of the upper extremities - by 15.8%, and lower extremities - by 9.6%. Over 6 years of study, the fat content in the torso increased by 8.2%, the fat mass of the upper and lower extremities - by 7.5% and 8.0%, respectively, and the level of visceral fat increased by 9.3%. The vital volume of the lungs increased by 12.2% compared to the beginning of the 1st course. Conclusion. The above transformations are obviously due to the continued growth of a healthy organism. Reduced adaptive changes during the training period can be corrected by increasing physical activity, diet and caloric intake.