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01-04-2019 | Original Article

Association between physical fitness and psychological distress among Brazilian armed force personnel

Authors: Aldair J. Oliveira, Geraldo A. Maranhão Neto, Osmar D. Barros, Rodrigo Pedreiro, Eric Murillo-Rodriguez, Antônio Carlos Ponce de Leon, Sergio Machado

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Previous research suggests that physical fitness moderates the adverse effects of stressful life events. However, the relation between fitness and psychological distress needs to be explored, especially in armed force personnel. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and psychological distress among Brazilian armed force personnel. In this cross-sectional study, we measured physical fitness and psychological distress of 1252 subjects, using, respectively, field tests and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). After adjusting for confounders, statistically significant direct associations (p < 0.05) between physical fitness and psychological distress were found. Low levels of muscle endurance (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.2–2.3) and combined cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle endurance (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.2–3.0) were associated with greater psychological distress in the overall sample. In the operational group, low levels of muscle endurance (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.2–2.8), cardiorespiratory fitness (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.2–3.6) and combined cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle endurance (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.4–5.1) were also associated with greater psychological distress. On the other hand, no significant (p > 0.05) association was found for the non-operational group. Low levels of physical fitness were associated with greater psychological distress among armed force personnel, especially among those with operational status. These findings suggest that physical fitness is not only relevant for military functions but also for mental health.

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Title: Association between physical fitness and psychological distress among Brazilian armed force personnel
Authors: Aldair J. Oliveira
Geraldo A. Maranhão Neto
Osmar D. Barros
Rodrigo Pedreiro
Eric Murillo-Rodriguez
Antônio Carlos Ponce de Leon
Sergio Machado
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-018-0503-9

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Association between physical fitness and psychological distress among Brazilian armed force personnel

Abstract

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Abstract

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