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Diet, physical activity, and bone density in soldiers before and after deployment
Ashley R Carlson1, Martha A Smith, Mary S McCarthy
1Nutrition Care Division, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington, USA.
U.S. Army Medical Department Journal
|April 16, 2013
Summary
Deployment may impact bone mineral density (BMD) in Soldiers. While spine BMD increased, physical activity decreased, and vitamin K intake rose. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger military populations.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Bone Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for skeletal health.
- Deployment-related factors may influence BMD in military personnel.
- Understanding diet and physical activity's role in BMD is vital for Soldier well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine diet, physical activity, and BMD in combat service support Soldiers before and after deployment.
- To identify potential impacts of diet and physical activity on BMD changes during deployment.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measured BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine.
- Dietary intake was assessed using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire.
- Physical activity levels were evaluated with the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Spine BMD significantly increased by 0.79% (P=.03) during deployment.
- Physical activity at work decreased by 10.76% (P=.01), while vitamin K intake increased by 37.21% (P=.01).
- Soldiers failed to meet vitamin D dietary reference intake and exceeded others; no significant diet or physical activity-BMD relationships were found.
Conclusions:
- The small sample size precluded definitive conclusions on deployment's impact on BMD, diet, or physical activity.
- Larger military population studies are recommended to explore links between reduced physical activity, inadequate diet, and decreased BMD.
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