Critical Velocity Is Associated With Combat-Specific Performance Measures in a Special Forces Unit

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between critical velocity (CV) and anaerobic distance capacity (ADC) to combat-specific tasks (CST) in a special forces (SFs) unit. Eighteen male soldiers (mean ± SD; age: 19.9 ± 0.8 years; height: 177.6 ± 6.6 cm; body mass: 74.1 ± 5.8 kg; body mass index [BMI]: 23.52 ± 1.63) from an SF unit of the Israel Defense Forces volunteered to complete a 3-minute all-out run along with CST (2.5-km run, 50-m casualty carry, and 30-m repeated sprints with "rush" shooting [RPTDS]). Estimates of CV and ADC from the 3-minute all-out run were determined from data downloaded from a global position system device worn by each soldier, with CV calculated as the average velocity of the final 30 seconds of the run and ADC as the velocity-time integral above CV. Critical velocity exhibited significant negative correlations with the 2.5-km run time (r = -0.62, p < 0.01) and RPTDS time (r = -0.71, p < 0.01). In addition, CV was positively correlated with the average velocity during the 2.5-km run (r = 0.64, p < 0.01). Stepwise regression identified CV as the most significant performance measure associated with the 2.5-km run time, whereas BMI and CV measures were significant predictors of RPTDS time (R(2) = 0.67, p ≤ 0.05). Using the 3-minute all-out run as a testing measurement in combat, personnel may offer a more efficient and simpler way in assessing both aerobic and anaerobic capabilities (CV and ADC) within a relatively large sample.

Physiological Performance Measures as Indicators of CrossFit® Performance

“…CrossFit ® training has also improved the following health variables: Body composition, diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate [6,7]. These same variables and measures have been significantly correlated to improved physical performance and may play a role in CrossFit ® sport performance [8,9,10]. As CrossFit ® has evolved as a training program and into the “sport of fitness”, further investigation of the physiological variables that influence CrossFit ® sport performance is warranted [2,3,11].…”

Validity of Critical Velocity Regression Equation to Estimate Weighted Sprint Performance

“…Before these investigations, there has been little normative data published on CV and D ′ values in the tactical professional populations. In a sample of eighteen male soldiers from an Israeli elite combat special forces unit, higher CV values (4.09 ± 0.41 m·s −1 ) but lower D ′ values (78.56 ± 21.94 m) were reported ( 8 ). The D ′ values from the male soldiers were similar to those reported by female cross country runners (85.8 ± 40.5 m) ( 19 ).…”

“…As the CV concept evaluates both aerobic and anaerobic training needs, it has been examined as an alternative to the Unites States Army Physical Fitness Test, that only assess aerobic fitness with a 3.2 km run ( 5 ). Critical velocity has been associated with performance in repeated 30 m sprinting shooting and running over a distance of 2.5 km ( 8 ). More recently, using the CV concept has shown the plausibility of use prescribing interval training for training tactical professionals with load carriage ( 23 ).…”