Characterization of the physical condition and cardiovascular risk factors of highway military police officers
Abstract
Method. The sample consisted of 52 male (38.3 ± 6.3 years old, 89.6 ± 18.4 kg) where the following determinations were performed: body mass index (BMI); waist circumference (WC); waist/hip ratio (WHR); body composition (skinfold thickness); aerobic power (indirectly estimated in a treadmill test); muscle strength of the upper limbs was measured by the number of push-ups and abdominal strength by the number of crunches (ES) and blood pressure (measured by auscultatory method).
Results. The highway police officers had a BMI classified as mild obesity (28.6 ± 4.8 kg/m2), and a higher cardiovascular risk as determined by WC (95.4 ± 10.8 cm) and WHR (0.92 ± 0.05). The percentage of body fat was above the recommended values (23.6 ± 4.3 %) but the aerobic power was considered good (34.8 ± 1.1 ml/kg/min). Mean ES upper body (21 ± 8 repetitions) and abdomen (28 ± 8 repetitions) were qualified as fair but mean blood pressure was considered high in 23 % of the police officers.
Conclusion. Based on our results it was possible to conclude that although the police officers presented good levels of aerobic power and muscle strength, they are overweight and showed a higher cardiovascular risk.
