A structured review of literature on body composition profiles in Navy personnel: current practices and considerations for the future

Introduction: There is need of a better understanding of body composition profiles in multi-national Navy personnel and their relationship with health and fitness. The aim of this review was to produce a critical assessment of original research addressing body composition in this military branch. Methods: Electronic databases PubMed and SPORTDiscus were searched to identify surveys and randomised clinical trials from journal articles and technical reports investigating body composition profiles on Navy populations. Results: Twenty-two studies were selected on the basis of stated inclusion criteria for military surveys and randomised clinical trials. Excepting Navy personnel in special operation force units, data indicated that body composition profiles, as determined by Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage for Navy personnel, were lower compared to respective Army profiles. BMI values increase from shore to ship deployment, with body composition profiles showing less healthy trends for personnel serving on vessels with limited space, whilst special operation forces do not conform to this pattern, constituting a mission-oriented body composition profile. Conclusions: Body composition profiles in multi-national Navy personnel vary in relation to other military branches, geographical locations, specialty and deployment status. There is a need to validate new body composition techniques so recruitment is based on more representative profiles. Finally, the development of fitness interventions for personnel serving on vessels is deemed absolutely necessary in order to counterbalance health and fitness negative adaptations.