OSLO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A new study has shown that Norwegian female soldiers tolerate demanding field exercises as well as or even better than men, public broadcaster NRK reported Wednesday.
The study on 23 male and 12 female Norwegian soldiers was conducted by Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) during the trials of Jeger Troop and Paratrooper Platoon of Armed Forces' Special Command.
"Women have burned more fat during activity. That can be an advantage during long-term exercises or operations," said FFI researcher Hilde Teien.
Although both the male and female soldiers had a similar decrease in physical capacity after the exercise, it took longer time for men to get fit again, the study showed.
During the tough trial week, men also lost more weight than women, and while women lost fat mass, men lost muscle mass, the report said.
This spring FFI and its partners shall also look at how female and male soldiers react cognitively after an exercise.
"It will be very exciting. We are going to look into whether loss in mental performance matches loss in physical performance, and whether there are any gender differences," Teien told NRK.
According to Colonel Lieutenant Harald Hoiback, however, the study is only "moderately interesting for an operating chief."
"What is the relevance of women returning faster if they are basically at a much lower level in physical ability and capacity?" he asked.
He also pointed out that no women have fulfilled admission requirements for the Paratrooper Platoon.
"One gets the impression that there are small nuances, but if women were exposed to the same trials they would not have met the toughest requirements," Hoiback said.
