DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i01.0019

Pages: 96-103

The physiological profiles of members of the Nigerian armed forces are of great importance to their mobility and health. Studies have centered on armed forces growth and development for combat readiness but not many of these have critically examined their physiological profiles comparatively. Therefore, this study comparatively analysed the resting heart rate (RHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), flexibility, maximum oxygen consumption (MaxVO2). The ex-post facto research design was employed. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select 186 officers and men (Army, Navy and Air force) as sample for the study. Data were collected using stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, flex-tester-sit-and-reach-flexibility test box and 1.5mile run\walk 400-meter track. Data analysis was done with the use of analysis of variance and Scheffe post-hoc test. Results showed that there were significant differences in SBP (t=2.791, p<0.05) and MaxVO2 (t=1.084, p<0.05) between Officers and Men of the armed forces. There were significant difference in SBP (F(2,183)=4.917, p<0.05), flexibility (F(2,183)=18.923, p<0.05) and MaxVO2( F(2,183)=9.775, p<0.05) among the three armed forces groups. Scheffe post hoc showed that the significant difference in SBP was between Army and Air Force (x̄=3.98), flexibility between [Army and Navy (x̄=4.22), Army and Air Force (x̄=5.52)], MaxVO2 among [Army and Navy (x̄=7.67), Navy and Air Force (x̄=8.04)]. There were significant disparities between some physiological profiles level of the different armed forces groups and Officers and Men across the groups. Hence, periodic and consistent physiological profiles appraisal of the armed forces should be prioritised.