The comparison of the effects of combined selection of exercises and current sports activities on the improvement of physical fitness of soldiers during the training term of national service

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 Bureau of Physical Education of the Armed Forces, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Islamic Azad University of Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Aims: During the training period of national service, soldiers need a reasonable level of physical fitness. This research aimed to compare the effects of combined selection of exercises and current sports activities on the improvement of physical fitness and anthropometric indices of soldiers.

Methods: Forty-two healthy soldiers were randomly divided into two experimental groups of combined selection of exercise (21 individuals) and current sports activities (21 people). They were compared together by means of pretest and posttest results. Both groups underwent 24 sessions of training for 8 weeks. Each session was 45 minutes and there were 3 sessions in every week. Then, Data were analyzed by Paired Samples and Independent Samples T Test, at a significance level of P < 0/05.

Results: Both groups showed significant increase in scapula endurance, upper extremities endurance, flexibility, agility. Moreover, there was significant decrease in BMI, BFP, and weight. The results of combined selection of exercises group indicated significant increase in cardio-respiratory endurance, abdominal muscles endurance, speed, lower limb power, ​​as well as significant decline in abdominal circumference and hip circumference. There was also significant difference between two groups in cardio-respiratory endurance, abdominal muscles endurance, scapula endurance, lower limb power, and agility. There was no significant difference in between-group and within-group means of waist circumference either.

Conclusion: Combined Selection of exercises was more effective than current sports program on the improvement of the physical fitness of soldiers.

Keywords