Desempenho físico em mulheres soldados fuzileiros navais em curso de formação: uma avaliação baseada em testes físicos específicos

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The Marine Soldiers' Training Course (CFSD-FN) requires technical, psychological, and physical preparation. Its physical component aims to prepare candidates for real combat situations through rigorous tests of endurance, strength, and stamina under adverse conditions. With the recent inclusion of women in the Course, there is a need to balance these demands with adaptations that consider female physiological characteristics, ensuring fair criteria without compromising operational effectiveness, thus guaranteeing all combatants meet the required operational standards. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the physical performance of women in the Naval Infantry Soldiers’ Course (Class II of 2024) through the application of specific physical tests. METHODS: An observational and longitudinal study was conducted. The sample consisted of female Marine recruits (n=120), with the following characteristics: age: 19.96 ±1.0 years, height: 163 ±5.59 cm, body mass: 60.86 ±8.57 kg, BMI: 22.86 ±3.12 kg/m². Data collection was performed at three time points, with the application of six standardized physical tests. Descriptive analysis of the collected data (mean, median, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation) was performed, along with normality assessment using the Shapiro-Wilk test (p<0.05). For variables with normal distribution, repeated measures ANOVA was applied, while for those parametric statistics assumptions, the non-parametric Friedman test was used, followed by post hoc analyses with Bonferroni correction when significant. RESULTS: The tests revealed: (1) moderate improvement in isometric strength (IMTP: 88.3→90.6 kgf); (2) insufficient performance in pull-ups (median=0 reps); (3) reduced isometric hold time in pull-ups (32.8→25.6s); (4) significant improvement in lift-carry (36.1→36.3 reps), the only normally distributed test; (5) notable adaptation to the sled test (73.8→55.8s); and (6) decreased YMCA bench press performance (32.6±12.4→28.7±11 reps) with high inter-individual variability. CONCLUSION: The results indicated physical adaptations among female Marine recruits, but revealed persistent challenges in suspension exercises and upper-body strength, requiring standardized assessments and specialized training programs to balance equity with operational effectiveness.