Effects of confinement on the physical conditioning and health of submariners: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33233/rbfex.v21i3.5160Keywords:
military personnel, submariner, physical trainingAbstract
Introduction: Submariners tend to be exposed to a metabolically unfavorable environment and occupational confinement factors that can affect their health, such as a sedentary lifestyle and high levels of stress. Objetive: This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of confinement on the physical conditioning and health of submariners. Methods: A literature search (January 2022) was performed using Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus e Embase. The protocol was registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42021225362). Studies were included that sampled submariners on mission, whose outcome was indicators of health or physical performance. Results: From a total of 2,334 articles, 5 studies were included in the review. The following were analyzed: cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition; the food frequency; the frequency of physical activity; the lipid profile, bone function markers and specific neuromotor tests; both in the comparison of onboard and non-embarked military personnel, as well as for only embarked personnel, or military personnel who worked on small or large submarines compared to military personnel who worked on aircraft carriers. Submariners show a negative change in the analysis of body composition, aerobic performance, biochemical analysis of lipids, bone function markers and endocrine regulators. Conclusion: Prolonged time aboard a submarine can compromise the health of the military.
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