Cadet Health for Improving Health Behaviors

Overseen By Nicole Wesley

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Disqualifiers: Not in YCP program

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

100 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The primary objective of the proposed study is to complete a comprehensive needs assessment of the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) Youth Challenge Program (YCP) in the YCP leadership and junior cadet population related to nutrition, fitness, sleep, and mental health and resilience. Results of this needs assessment will further inform the development of the intervention skills training program. The secondary objective of this work is to provide a scalable, integrated physical and mental optimization training program that would be integrated into relevant systems and maintained over time as a core tool for young individuals readying themselves to join the Army. The program would include an environmental intervention approach as well as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress reduction/positive coping guidance.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

How does the Cadet Health treatment differ from other treatments for improving health behaviors?

The Cadet Health treatment is unique because it focuses on improving health behaviors specifically within a military academy setting, potentially incorporating elements like structured physical activity and wellness education, which are tailored to the lifestyle and environment of cadets. This approach may differ from standard treatments by emphasizing a comprehensive focus on physical fitness and wellness rather than just weight control. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for staff, cadre, or cadets involved in the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program. It aims to assess and improve their health behaviors such as nutrition, fitness, sleep, and mental resilience.

Inclusion Criteria

You need to be a staff member, a cadre, or a cadet in the YCP program.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Needs Assessment

Comprehensive needs assessment of the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program related to nutrition, fitness, sleep, and mental health and resilience

16 months

Intervention Skills Training

Development and implementation of an integrated physical and mental optimization training program, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress reduction guidance

16 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for program satisfaction, weight, height, body fat, depression, body esteem, anxiety, perceived stress, coping, knowledge & attitudes, and eating competence

16 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Cadet Health

Trial Overview The study will conduct a needs assessment followed by an intervention program focusing on physical and mental optimization. This includes environmental changes and guidance on nutrition, exercise, sleep habits, stress reduction, and coping strategies.

Participant Groups

Group I: Aim High Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Integrated physical and mental optimization training program used as tool for young individuals readying themselves to join the military

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

314

Recruited

183,000+

Findings from Research

A study of U.S. Air Force Academy cadets from 1972 showed that their average serum cholesterol levels remained stable throughout their 4-year training, contrasting with the rising cholesterol levels observed in West Point cadets from 1952.

The average body fat of the Air Force cadets stayed low, around 12%, suggesting that dietary fat intake may have played a role in maintaining healthier cholesterol levels compared to the earlier West Point study.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Serum cholesterol levels in selected air force cadets compared with levels in the West Point study. Clarke, DA., Mosser, EL., Foulds, EL., et al.[2013]

A study of 100 cadets at the Air Force Military Academy found that while 71.3% had normal body weight, 25.3% were overweight and 3.4% were obese, with obesity primarily observed in older students (16.2%).

Younger cadets (1st and 2nd years) were significantly more active, covering greater distances daily compared to older cadets (4th and 5th years), indicating a need for improved nutrition and physical activity programs to prevent weight gain among military students.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[The prevalence of overweight and obesity vs. the level of physical activity of aviation military academy students]. Gaździńska, A., Baran, P., Skibniewski, F., et al.[2015]

The study surveyed soldiers in a medical reserve unit about their health behaviors related to Army Weight Control standards, revealing a concerning reliance on negative health behaviors for weight management.

The authors suggest shifting the focus of weight control programs from solely weight management to a broader approach that emphasizes overall physical fitness and wellness, which could promote healthier behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Positive and negative health behaviors used to ensure compliance with the U.S. Army's weight control standards by a reserve component unit. Sweeney, SS., Bonnabeau, RC.[2017]

Injuries and illnesses during Basic Cadet Training (BCT) at the Air Force Academy are significantly influenced by risk factors such as being female, being an intercollegiate athlete, and having an obese body mass index (BMI).

The study suggests that future medical surveillance and prevention efforts should specifically target females, recruited athletes, and individuals with high BMIs to reduce common issues like ankle sprains and respiratory infections, which can lead to lost training time.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Epidemiology of injuries and illnesses during the United States Air Force Academy 2002 Basic Cadet Training program: documenting the need for prevention. Billings, CE.[2022]

In a 12-week program involving 50 veterans, over two-thirds experienced weight loss and reported improvements in health, mood, energy levels, and social engagement through a structured exercise and wellness initiative.

The 'battle-buddy' concept effectively paired college athletes with veterans, demonstrating that such peer support can enhance physical health and foster community among Student Service Members/Veterans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

College Warrior Athlete Initiative and academic nursing. Burgess, AW., Thabault, P., Kiernan, L., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Serum cholesterol levels in selected air force cadets compared with levels in the West Point study. [2013]

2. Poland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[The prevalence of overweight and obesity vs. the level of physical activity of aviation military academy students]. [2015]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Positive and negative health behaviors used to ensure compliance with the U.S. Army's weight control standards by a reserve component unit. [2017]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Epidemiology of injuries and illnesses during the United States Air Force Academy 2002 Basic Cadet Training program: documenting the need for prevention. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

College Warrior Athlete Initiative and academic nursing. [2021]