Military Training Improves Lipid Profile

Abstract

The effect of physical exercise during military training on plasma lipid levels has not been investigated in Sri Lankan military establishments. This study examined the effect of military training on lipid profiles of officer cadets in one of the training centres in Sri Lanka. The study sample consisted of four groups; 1. Non-exercised control group (NE), 2. Military training for 6 months (E6M), 3. Military training for 18 months (E18M) and 4. Military training for 30 months (E30M). Each group consisted of 30 participants. Plasma HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol (TC) were measured using enzymatic techniques and colorimetric determination. LDL- cholesterol level was calculated using the standard equation. A significant reduction in mean TG was observed in all groups that had military training; E6M (p<0.005), E18M (p< 0.05) and E30M (p<0.001) as compared to control. LDL-cholesterol levels were also significantly low in groups that had military training compared to the control group (p<0.005). The reduction in TC was significant in groups E18M (p<0.01) and E30M (p<0.005) and it was observed that prolonged exercise resulted in greater improvements in TC. HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly high in groups who underwent military training for more than 18 months (p<0.005 in E18M and p<0.01 in E30M). Military training has significantly improved lipid profiles of young officer cadets.