Is this Corona’s fault?: Recruits are becoming less and less fit

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Endurance running, pushing a medicine ball, long jump from a standing position: recruits must prove their suitability during enlistment. For example, only the most athletic people can become grenadiers or paratroopers. Those who fail end up in the office.

If you compare the results of fitness tests in recent years, you will notice that the fitness of young men is getting worse and worse. In almost all disciplines tested, performance has declined in recent years. This is reported by the Tages-Anzeiger.

Less strength and endurance

The recruits’ endurance and strength decreased the most. In 2019, those required to hold the position were able to remain in the plank position (forearm rest) for an average of 121 seconds. In 2022 that was still 113 seconds – almost 7 percent less.

During the running test, the 2019 recruits managed to maintain the set pace for an average of just under 13 minutes and 19 seconds. In 2022 that was 48 seconds less. According to the “Tages-Anzeiger” this is the worst average result ever measured.

What role does Covid play?

Researchers from the Swiss Federal University of Sport in Magglingen BE (EHSM) are now trying to find out the reasons for the declining fitness. There is a clear connection with the Covid pandemic. But so far no causal link has been proven.

One reason could be a lack of exercise during the pandemic, Alain Dössegger of the EHSM told the newspaper. But studies have seen “no significant overall decline.” Young men have also barely gained weight during the pandemic.

Dössegger does not rule out that Covid-19 infections are partly responsible. “Sars-CoV-2 can affect the body for a very long time. I know of some cases who will no longer be able to perform at full capacity after Covid,” he says. The link between Covid and fitness is being investigated at the Sports University of Cologne. It is said that illness in athletes is often seen to lead to loss of performance. The data from the Swiss recruits is therefore interesting.

Pilot test with sensors

The Federal Council has just decided to further investigate the suitability of army members – and not just recruits. As part of a pilot test that will last several years, soldiers will be equipped with sensors to measure their performance. This not only makes it possible to determine how fit young men – and women – are at the start of their military career. But also how fitness in the army changes over time. (lha)

Source:Blick