Regular physical activity as a basic component of lifestyle modification reduces major cardiovascular risk factors among male armored force personnel of Shabestar army installation in Iran.

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular/Coronary Heart Disease (CVD) is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The most important risk factors for CVD are well-established and are strongly influenced by lifestyle changes. Clearly, physical activity has been shown to be extremely important in reducing the burden of this disease. The aim of this case-control study was to examine the association between intensity of activities and CVD risk factors in healthy military personnel.

PARTICIPANTS

Two group of subjects (active [engaging in three session of field exercises/week] =50, and inactive [with no experience of field exercise]=50) were classified by a questionnaire containing demographic, health history, type and level of physical activity, and employment information.

METHODS

Anthropometric indices, lipid-lipoprotein profile, arterial pressures, and fasting blood glucose were assessed. Independent sample t-tests were used for comparison.

RESULTS

Physically active subjects had significantly (p≤ 0.05) lower measures of body mass indices (except height), lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (S/DBP), risk factor (TC/HDL ratio), atherogenic index (LDL/HDL ratio), and higher levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was normal in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce the risk factors of developing CVD and preventing its progression significantly, it clearly serves to underscore the beneficial properties of physical activity and to promote its effectiveness as a support for healthier lifestyles in the community and particularly among military personnel. The findings of this study substantiate the need for physical exercise to reduce signs and symptoms associated with CVD risk, even among a young, healthy, generally active population. Further, that these results would appear to corroborate the concept of increasing physical activity, including aerobic activity, as a preventative measure.