Effects of Two 8-Week Physical Training Models (Traditional and Specific) on Improved Military Physical Performance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of eight weeks of traditional physical training (TPT) and military-specific physical training (MSPT) on the physical and operational performance of infantry cadets of the Brazilian Air Force (BAF). This study consisted of 27 male cadets (22.8±1.6 years, 76.0±9.2 kg, 1.77±0.05 m) stratified according to initial levels of physical fitness and randomly allocated in TPT (n= 13) or MSPT (n= 14) groups. The TPT group performed the basic military physical training provided for the military and the MSPT group conducted specific operational training. The variables were analyzed through two evaluations at the beginning and end of the eight-week training protocol. Anthropometric evaluations, physical fitness, and military operational physical tests were performed. Internal training load was determined through session rating of perceived exertion. Two-way (group and time) analysis of variance was used to compare groups and periods of training. Bonferroni test was used as a post-hoc when necessary. The effect sizes were presented by partial eta squared (ηp²) and Cohen dz. No group and time interaction was found for any variable. Regarding the time effect, there was a decrease in both groups in the anthropometric variables. The variables that increased over time for both groups were push-up and sit-up repetitions in 1 min, aerobic power, and squat jump height, whereas time in the military operational physical test decreased. Regarding the internal training load, no interaction between the group and period was observed. Therefore, both TPT and MSPT groups were effective in improving the physical and operational performance of military personnel after eight weeks of training.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0036/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The Impact of a 10-Week Military Training Course on Saudi Medical Recruits' Fitness and Physical Activity Levels

“…However, to the researchers, this was the first study to determine the effects of Saudi Arabia's IMTC on body composition, physical fitness, and self-reported physical activity levels. The investigators observed a significant decrease in WC, which is consistent with previous studies in the literature [ 1 , 19 ]. WC is a crucial marker for identifying MetS risk, and the optimal cutoff values vary greatly depending on ethnicity [ 20 , 21 ].…”

“…In contrast, LBM decreased unfavorably, which could be attributed to the duration of the study. Prior literature has shown increased LBM in studies that lasted ≥12 weeks [ 1 , 19 ]. It should be noted that even though some studies [ 1 , 19 ] have comparable training components to our research, the percentage of endurance/aerobic training was practically half of ours (40% compared to 80%).…”

“…Prior literature has shown increased LBM in studies that lasted ≥12 weeks [ 1 , 19 ]. It should be noted that even though some studies [ 1 , 19 ] have comparable training components to our research, the percentage of endurance/aerobic training was practically half of ours (40% compared to 80%). This might have contributed to weight loss and LBM reduction in our study than theirs.…”

“…Prospective soldiers are required to complete an initial military training course (IMTC) before being drafted into the military. This course is designed to identify those who will most efficiently meet the demands of military service and help them maintain this fitness level throughout their service [ 1 ]. Regular physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, including lowered blood pressure, improved plasma lipid profile, changes in coagulation and hemostatic factors, reduced incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and improved metabolic control in individuals with established type 2 diabetes mellitus [ 2 ].…”

Relación entre la Composición Corporal, Condición Física y Capacidad Operativa en Militares Chilenos

“…Fuerza resistencia abdominal. La prueba de abdominales se ejecutó considerando las recomendaciones de un estudio previo realizado en militares (Campos et al, 2017). El participante durante 1 minuto en una colchoneta, se ubica decúbito supino con las piernas flexionadas en 90°, los pies se separados y las manos detrás de la cabeza, una persona le afirmaba los pies mientras el ejecutante realizaba la prueba.…”