Dynamics of body composition parameters in females during their training at a military medical university

Abstract

In recent years, the number of applicants to military universities has been constantly increasing, but comprehensive studies of the dynamics of the component composition of the body of female cadets have practically not been carried out, which determines the importance of the stated problems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of changes in indicators of the component composition of the body of practically healthy female cadets aged 17–23 years during the period of study at a military university. Material and methods. The dynamics of the component composition of the body of military university applicants and female cadets during the period of their studies in 1–6 years was studied. Results. Based on the results of a comprehensive examination of the same individuals, which included an assessment of 15 indicators of body composition and 5 functional indicators, a database was formed. It has been shown that during the first two years of study, compared with the indicators of applicants, the most intense increase in muscle mass of the torso and upper extremities occurs – by 14.9% and 12.6%, respectively. An increase in fat mass in the trunk and lower extremities is observed only by the fourth year and amounts to 11.2% and 12.8%, respectively. Sexual characteristics of changes in the component composition of the body of girls are characterized by a more intense growth of the fat component, which corresponds to the physiological changes in the woman’s body during the transition to the first mature period of development. Conclusion. In senior years of study, there is a stabilization of the dynamics of muscle mass development, physical development rating, level of basal metabolism and functional indicators. The identified changes in the component composition of the body during the training period of female cadets are due to the peculiarities of the intensity and nature of physical activity, the work and rest regime and the nutrient composition of the daily diet, as well as endocrine status.