Perspectives on Aerobic and Strength Influences on Military Physical Readiness

Abstract

Physical fitness training of military recruits is an enduring focus of armies. This is important for safe and effective performance of general tasks that anyone may have to perform in a military setting as well as preparation for more specialized training in specific job specialties. Decades of studies on occupationally specific physical requirements have characterized the dual aerobic and strength demands of typical military tasks; however, scientifically founded strategies to prepare recruits with a good mix of these 2 physiologically opposing capabilities have not been well established. High levels of aerobic training can compromise resistance training gains and increase injury rates. Resistance training requires a greater commitment of time and resources as well as a greater understanding of the science to produce true strength gains that may be beneficial to military performance. These are critical issues for modern armies with increased demands for well-prepared soldiers and fewer injury losses. The actual physical requirements tied to metrics of success in military jobs are also under renewed examination as women are increasingly integrated into military jobs previously performed only by men. At the third International Congress on Soldiers' Physical Performance, a roundtable of 10 physiologists with military expertise presented comparative perspectives on aerobic and strength training. These topics included the physiological basis of training benefits, how to train effectively, how to measure training effectiveness, considerations for the integration of women, and the big perspective. Key discussion points centered on (a) the significance of findings from research on integrated training, (b) strategies for effective strength development, and

Validity and reliability evidence of a point of care assessment of salivary cortisol and α-amylase: a pre-registered study

“…Briefly, this test involves completing three workloads of 3-6 min at approximately 55, 65 and 75% of age predicted maximum heart rate (220 bpm -age in years) on a cycle ergometer (Monark, Monark Exercise AB, Varnsbro, Sweden), which was used as a method of prescribing a bout of individualised moderate intensity physical activity. This validation study was part of a larger project our team was conducting with Army personnel, so we decided to focus on an intensity that was most representative of typical training scenarios (Friedl et al, 2012). Previous studies have reported increases in both salivary cortisol and α-amylase in response to a single bout of exercise (Strahler et al, 2017).…”

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

“…However, military training in the field consists mainly of prolonged aerobic physical activity with low training intensities. This kind of daily activity could potentially interfere with both optimal muscle strength and maximal aerobic capacity development (Friedl et al, 2015). Despite this, it is still quite uncommon to have structured and periodized training programs for optimal muscular strength and endurance development during military training (Szivak & Kraemer, 2015).…”

“…Currently, military duties require more physical fitness than in the past (Friedl et al, 2015; Knapik, Reynolds, & Harman, 2004). In recruits, military training involves a high amount of physical activity, which can be a new experience for most of the recruits.…”

“…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.…”

“…Hypertrophic strength training can improve muscular strength by increasing muscle size, while during maximal and explosive strength training gains in strength and power are obtained to a greater extent also by neural factors, for example, increased activation of the agonist muscles (Häkkinen, 1994; Häkkinen et al, 1998). The military environment creates a special platform for strength development because endurance training is always integrated to warfighters’ training programs (Friedl et al, 2015). The effects of military task‐specific training on strength and maximal short duration anaerobic performance of a warfighter has not been investigated.…”