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Bone formation is suppressed with multi-stressor military training
Julie M Hughes1, Martha A Smith, Paul C Henning
1Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 15 Kansas Street, Building 42, Natick, MA, 01760, USA, julie.m.hughes17.ctr@mail.mil.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|July 17, 2014
Summary
US Army Ranger Training significantly impacts bone metabolism, increasing bone resorption and suppressing bone formation. Bone metabolism markers returned to normal levels within 2-6 weeks after training.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Bone metabolism
- Military training
Background:
- US Army Ranger Training is an 8-week program characterized by high energy expenditure, significant energy restriction, and sleep deprivation.
- Bone metabolism is sensitive to physiological stressors, including intense physical activity and nutritional deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the multi-stressor environment of US Army Ranger Training on bone metabolism.
- To assess changes in bone formation and resorption biomarkers during and after the training program.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 22 male soldiers before and after an 8-week training program.
- Serum levels of bone formation markers (bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin) and bone resorption markers (TRAP5b, CTX) were analyzed.
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D levels were also measured.
Main Results:
- Bone formation markers (BAP, OCN) significantly decreased post-training, indicating suppressed bone formation.
- Bone resorption marker (TRAP5b) significantly increased post-training, indicating increased bone resorption.
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels increased significantly, while CTX, calcium, and vitamin D levels showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Multi-stressor military training leads to a significant imbalance in bone metabolism, characterized by increased resorption and decreased formation.
- Bone metabolism markers showed a trend toward recovery 2-6 weeks after the cessation of training.
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