AIM To explore the features of energy metabolism and body composition of paratroopers after training in wind tunnel, with the purpose of providing experimental evidence for targeted nutritional measures.

METHODS Paratroopers underwent 8 min of aloft training in a vertical wind tunnel. Cosmed K5 wearable metabolic system and Inbody 230 were applied to examine the resting metabolism (RM) and the body composition respectively.

RESULTS Wind tunnel training reduced the basic metabolism (BM) significantly (P<0.05) but caused no evident changes in RM. Respiratory quotient (RQ) was diminished substantially (P<0.05) by the training, which indicated higher ratio of fat and lower ratio of carbohydrate in energy production (P<0.05). As far as the body composition concerned, total body water, inorganic salts, protein, skeletal muscle mass and fat-free body weight turned lower after training (P<0.05). Percentage of body fat showed a higher tendency, but there was no significant statistical difference, with fat mass in left and right upper limbs increased significantly (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION Wind tunnel training reduces BM, increases fat contribution to energy generation, promotes protein degradation and increases fat synthesis in paratroopers. These results indicate that a low fat and high protein nutritional countermeasure is needed for paratroopers. Meanwhile, timely supplement of water and minerals stands crucial during training.