Severe deficiency of Vitamin D has no negative effect on physical performance during military training Authors: L. Rips, H. Gapeyeva, A. Toom, R. Kuik, A. Varblane, H. Mölder, M. Kull, J.T. Kartus, M. Rahu Tartu University Hospital, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Puusepa 1ª, 50406 Tartu, Estonia University of Tartu, Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ülikooli 8, 50090 Tartu Corresponding author: L. Rips Contact information: leho.rips@kliinikum.ee, leho.rips@ut.ee 1. General Introduction This dataset contains data collected in Kuperjanov Bataljon in Võru, Estonia during the study period in 2015-2016. It is being made public both to act as supplementary data for publications and the PhD thesis of Leho Rips, MD and in order for other researchers to use this data in their own work. This research project was made possible by grant no. R-001 of Estonian Defense Forces. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Tartu no. 240/T-3 and 249M-4. 2. Purpose of the test campaign Based on current studies there is still lack of knowledge how severe deficiency of Vitamin D affects physical performance during the training process in military service. A prospective longitudinal 10-month study of young male conscripts in the Estonian Army was designed. The hypothesis of the study was that severe deficiency of Vitamin D would affect physical fitness negatively. 3. Description of the data in this data set Data was collected in Kuperjanov Bataljon, Võru Estonia during the study period 2015-2016. Data was collected and saved in PC used for scientific work. All the measurements where done with same instruments. Body mass (kg) and height (cm) were measured at inclusion by the same nurse at the Kuperjanov Battalion medical center using standardized equipment, and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated in kg/m2. Blood Serum samples for clinical chemistry analysis were collected in serum clot activator tubes (BD Vacutainer SST II Advance Plus Blood Collection Tubes, Becton Dickinson and Company, New Jersey, United States). Calcium measurements were performed using the spectrophotometry method (ADVIA® 1800 Clinical Chemistry System, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany). The direct chemiluminescent immunoassay method was used for measurement of PTH (ADVIA Centaur XP, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany). Measurements of 25(OH)D were performed using the direct chemiluminescent immunoassay method (LIAISON XL, DiaSorin S.p.A, Saluggia VC, Italy). All analyses were performed by Synlab Estonia, Tartu, Estonia. For investigation of physical performance, the Army Physical fitness test (APFT) was used three times during the study, at inclusion in July 2015, in December 2015 and end of May 2016. The APFT is designed to test the muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular respiratory fitness of soldiers. Results are scored from 0 to 100 points based on the performance in three events; push-ups, sit-ups, and a 3,2 km run. A minimum score of 60 points in each event is required to pass the test. The overall score is the sum of the points from the three events. If a soldier passes all three events, the total score may range from 180 to 300 points. If the total score is lower than 180, the test is counted as not passed. Scoring of the APFT is based on gender, age category, number of repetitions performed for the push-ups and sit-ups, and the running time. The dominant hand grip strength was measured four times; in July, August, and September 2015 and March 2016, using a validated hydraulic hand dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Co., USA). EXEL table datasheet description: Study ID - participant number, ID Gender M- male, F- female. APFT test - Army Physical Fitness Test Running time - minutes and seconds Push-ups - number of pus-ups Sit-ups - number of sit-ups Test total result 1- test passed 0- test not passed Vitamin D - 25(OH)D - serum levels nmol/l PTH- parathyreiod hormone - serum levels pmol/l Ca - calcium - serum levels mmol/l Hand grip strength - kilograms Weight - kilograms Height - cm 4. Sharing Embargo until published.