Optimising training adaptations and performance in military environment

Abstract

The present study demonstrated that military training needs a greater variation in training stimulus to induce more effective training adaptations, especially, when considering the development of maximal or explosive strength and maximal aerobic capacity. Training programs should be well periodised so that total training load increases progressively but also includes sufficient recovery periods. In addition, some individualized programming is required to avoid unnecessary injuries and overloading because the differences in initial physical fitness of soldiers can be very high.

Differences in Training Adaptations of Endurance Performance during Combined Strength and Endurance Training in a 6-Month Crisis Management Operation

“…Based on the requirements of military work, the development and maintenance of physical performance of soldiers should include combined strength and endurance training [5,6]. Aerobic fitness is an important contributor to optimal performance, in numerous military simulations of varying durations, both from the performance and recovery perspective [7].…”

Changes in strength and power performance and serum hormone concentrations during 12 weeks of task‐specific or strength training in conscripts

“…Modern warfighting requires a high level of physical performance so that soldiers would be capable to successfully fulfill missions in the field (Nindl et al, 2013). It is important to have appropriate strength, endurance, and other physical capabilities to perform different military tasks, such as sprinting, lifting, and carrying load over obstacles and in various terrains (Kraemer & Szivak, 2012; Kyröläinen, Pihlainen, Vaara, Ojanen, & Santtila, 2018; Nindl et al, 2017). However, military training in the field consists mainly of prolonged aerobic physical activity with low training intensities.…”

“…Physical training and consequent adaptations are influenced by several factors such as age, gender, sleep, nutrition, training history, recovery, as well as by environmental, social, and psychological factors (Kyröläinen et al, 2018). In the military environment, prolonged physical activity with external load, sleep deprivation, and negative fluid and nutrition balance are also obstacles that one must overcome in optimizing physical performance gains (Henning, Park, & Kim, 2011; Nindl et al, 2007).…”

“…When designing a training plan for warfighters, it is important to consider the factors emphasizing the task requirements or performance goals (Nindl et al, 2013). A need for progression, variation, and specificity in training stimulus are the most important factors when considering the development of maximal or explosive strength and maximal aerobic capacity (Friedl et al, 2015; Kyröläinen et al, 2018). Daily military training itself can be short of variety, which may not improve physical performance in an optimal way.…”

Readiness of military personnel for high intensity combat training course

“…Programs for prevention of musculoskeletal injuries are organized in armed forces of other countries [14][15][16]. Anthropometric parameters, such as increased body mass, are one of the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders [17][18][19]. High physical load has influence on various health parameters [20].…”