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Physical fitness, training volume, and self-determined motivation in soldiers during a peacekeeping mission
Sindre M Dyrstad1, Blake W Miller, Jostein Hallén
1Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, NO-0806 Oslo, Norway.
Purpose:
The goal was to register physical training volume and to measure changes in physical fitness in soldiers during a peacekeeping mission. The relationship between these factors and motivation for physical training was also investigated.
Methods:
Physical training volume was registered and maximal oxygen uptake, 3-km run time, sit-ups, push-ups, and chin-ups were tested before and after 1 year of service for 71 Norwegian soldiers in the international Kosovo Force. Self-determined motivation was measured at the end of the service.
Results:
Physical training volume was 117 +/- 77 minutes/week. The average maximal oxygen uptake decreased by 2.5 +/- 0.8% (p < 0.01). Intrinsic motivation positively predicted physical training volume (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
A large variation in training volume was found, and only one-third of the soldiers improved physical fitness and maintained body weight. Fostering intrinsic motivation toward physical training is key to increasing training volume. However, obligatory training could ensure a minimum of physical training among the soldiers who were least motivated for physical training.
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