Effect of a Designed Compact Food Bar on Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2(Max)) and Exercise Performance in Military Athletes: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Under difficult conditions, the military need high-energy macronutrients and micronutrients during intense physical activities in order to achieve optimal fitness levels. Objectives: This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of a designed compact food bar (CFB) on the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2(Max)) and physical fitness in military athletes. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 50 athletes aged 20 - 50 years, who were assigned into two experimental and control groups. The subjects in the compact food bar (CFB) received three packs of CFB (700 kcal each), containing functional compounds (e.g., caffeine and L-arginine), every day form days. The control group consumed the regular food used in military training courses with the same daily calorie count for the same period. The exercise performance was assessed using sports tests, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2(Max)) as a measure of cardio-respiratory endurance in vitro, cardiopulmonary exercise tests, blood pressure, and anthropometric examinations based on the participants' body composition and physical activity. The measurements were performed using a pedometer, and the data were recorded at baseline and after the intervention. The data was then analyzed in SPSS software version16. Results: VO2(Max) and some of the exercise tests, including push-up, sit-and-reach test, and jump pair length, revealed significant increases in CFB group, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, the concerned variable seemed to have no significant effects on the anthropometric indices (weight and body mass index) and body composition (lean body mass and body fat mass) in CFB group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: According to the findings, the consumption of the proposed CFB, in comparison to regular food, could effectively improve the exercise performance in military athletes.