The Effect of Two Years Training on Aerobic Power and Muscle Strength of Male and Female Cadets

摘要

Eighteen cadets (11 males, 7 females) were studied on five occasions during their first two years of training at the U.S. Military Academy. Studies began during their first week at the Academy and continued until the end of the second academic year. During the study, the regimented lifestyle imposed comparable environmental and dietary factors. VO2 (1/min), lean body mass and body weight increased significantly in both groups. Per cent body fat was significantly reduced only after the first summer of training and then returned to initial values. VO2max (ml/kg.min) did not change in males during the study. However, females increased significantly after the initial 6 weeks of training (44.2 to 48.8 ml/kg.min). They remained at this level through the second summer of training. However, by the end of their second academic year, females' values dropped to 45.9 ml/kg.min. Maximal last year of training, arm and shoulder strength increased (9.3%) in males but was unchanged in females. Our results suggest that even extended military training did not enable females to significantly narrow the difference with male cadets in terms of muscle strength and aerobic power. (Author)