Health Of ROTC Cadets At Two Midwest Small Universities, A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Performance in combat is at the center of what all military units do. The focus of military athletes tends to typically be on physical fitness and aspects that may affect acute physical performance, such as body composition, strength, and endurance. One aspect of performance that has not been studied as closely is the overall health, both physical and mental, of ROTC cadets. PURPOSE: The primary objective of this project is to determine the overall mental and physical health of ROTC cadets at a group of universities in the Midwest. METHODS: Participants were recruited from an ROTC unit encompassing two small universities in the Midwst. Physical parameters measured were height, weight, waist circumference, BPrest, HRrest, and body composition via Bod Pod. Performance parameters included muscle strength (hand grip dynamometer), muscle endurance (push up test), and flexibility (sit and reach, back scratch test), and VO2 (1.5 mile run). Participants also completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Student Stress scale (SSS). RESULTS: Six male cadets participated in the study. Five participants were Caucasian, 1 was Asian/Pacific Islander. Average body fat percentage was 6.22% (2.6-13.9%). Average waist circumference was 87.56 cm (84-93.9 cm) which is in the low risk category. Average BPrest was 117/60 and HRrest was 76.33 bpm. Grip strength was 41.68 kg which is in the normal category. Average push-up score was 50.85 (40-60) which is in the excellent category. Average sit and reach score was 20.2 in., while the back scratch test was -.5 on the left, and -1.6 on the right side. Average VO2 was 53.04 ml/kg/min (43.75-57 ml/kg/min). PSS scores 0-60 with average score of 20.83 (16-23). The average SSS score was 271.33 (91-517) indicating serious stress levels. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate body fat percentage is low. Several of the military athletes had body compositions that could be considered dangerously low. Lower body flexibility is low indicating a need for stretching to be built into the training regimen. Two participants indicated major stress levels which may need intervention. This project will continue to gather health data and then implement education interventions to assist in developing healthy military athletes. USDA-NIFA