The influence of combat simulation exercises on indirect markers of muscle damage in soldiers of the brazilian army

Abstract

The combat simulation exercise is a military activity where combat activities characterized by intense physical activity are simulated. The aim of this study was to describe the behavior of indirect markers of muscle damage during military activities of combat simulation with the realization of strenuous physical efforts. This study was conducted with military recruits/volunteers (n=43; 19-24 age group) from the COMANDOS Army Corporal Training Course. The biomarkers were evaluated at the baseline (T0), 72 hours after the baseline (T1) and 63 hours after the end of the activity (T2). To compare the variables analyzed at different times, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to repeated measures with post hoc Tukey's test to identify the statistically significant differences. The criteria of significance adopted was the value of p<0,05. On average, the total body mass was significantly greater in T0 when compared to T1 (74,4kg x 69,8Kg; p< 0,05). In relation to the biochemical markers, on average, the serum levels were significantly higher (p<0,001) in T1 when compared to T0: CPK, LDH, CRP, Mb and AGPA. After 63 hours of rest, on average, the serum levels of the biochemical markers were significantly lower than in the moment T1: CPK, LDH, CRP, Mb and AGPA. However, after 63 hours of the end of the activity, all variables evaluated returned to baseline, with the exception of LDH, that on an average remained above the values observed in the moment T0. This study made possible to understand the behavior of indirect markers of muscle damage during the COMANDOS Army Corporal Training Course. However, others studies are necessary, regarding to Training Courses such as: paratrooper, mountain, jungle warfare and others to try establish a possible range of reference values for this markers during military activities.