Linear regression correlation of health behaviour factors and fitness skills in the Hungarian Defence Forces

Abstract BackgroundThe observance of health behaviour recommendations is particularly important in the armed forces where about a certain level of the different physical abilities has to be given account of regularly during work too. The aim of the research is to analyse certain areas of the soldiers’ lifestyle how much they influence the reached scores on the physical tests used by the Hungarian Defence Forces.Sample and MethodDuring examination we compared the results of the prevention data sheet of the soldiers (n=490) appeared on the annual health screening in 2015 against their points obtained on the annual physical fitness test (PFT). The average age of the sample test was 34,1 years (+ 6,91 years) and the proportion of the women was 13,5%. In the test our participants’ average height was 177,64 cm (+7,49 cm), the average weight was 78,94 kg (+12,07 kg). According to the prevention data sheet we analysed the eating habits, frequency of psychosomatic waist pain, body mass index (BMI), the relationship between age and smoking status in relation to scores obtained by stamina and strength endurance practices. To assess the physical fitness of the cardio-vascular endurance we used the results of the 3200 m flat race and for the strength endurance survey we used the results of the scores from lying on the back sit-up with bent legs and arm bending in push-up performed within 2 minutes in a maximum repeat number.ResultsThe growth of the body mass index with 0,1 meant 2 points loss. Regarding the frequency of vegetable-, fruit-, cereal-, and dairy product consumption we found a significant difference (p <0,05) in correlation of the obtained scores on the PFT. The back pain as a symptom appearing monthly meant an advantage on the strength endurance tests, as for smoking on the physical fitness tests. Age did not influence the results of the physical tests significantly. ConclusionThe detection of the connection between certain health behaviour factors and the physical parameters can be one of the strategic tasks of the military supply service.