Impact of 12 Weeks of Resistance Training on Body Composition, Pain, and Physical Capacities
Study of Military Police Officers in the Amazon Interior
Abstract
Introduction: Military police officers (MPOs) often exhibit a sedentary lifestyle, characterized by unfavorable changes in body composition, reduced physical capacities, and increased pain perception. In contrast, resistance training (RT) has been shown to be an effective strategy for promoting health in this population. Objective: To analyze the effects of a resistance training program on body composition, physical capacities, pain occurrence, and pain intensity among military police officers working in administrative services in the municipality of Santarém, Pará, Brazil. Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 19 military police officers engaged in administrative duties in Santarém, Pará, Brazil, who participated in a 12-week RT program. Body composition, muscular strength, abdominal muscular endurance, flexibility, and pain were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: Female participants predominated (53 %), and the mean age was 34.89±7.02 years. RT reduced body adiposity (p<0.05) and significantly improved muscular strength (p<0.001), flexibility (p<0.001), and localized muscular endurance, as demonstrated by a higher number of repetitions in the abdominal endurance test (p<0.001). Regarding pain, a reduction in the occurrence of painful body regions (89.5 % vs. 57.9 %) and a decrease in self-reported pain intensity were observed (p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings reinforce the importance of RT as an effective strategy for promoting health, improving functional performance, and reducing pain complaints among military police officers.
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