Differential recovery rates of fitness following U.S. Army Ranger training

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate tactically-related physical performance and body composition recovery following U.S. Army Ranger training. DesignProspective cohort. MethodsPhysical performance was comprehensively assessed using a tactically-related performance battery (i.e., Ranger Athlete Warrior assessment) in 10 male Soldiers at baseline (BL) two-weeks (P1), and six-weeks (P2) post-Ranger School. Body composition was determined using DXA. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used followed by Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons when group differences existed (p≤0.05). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish associations between changes in fitness and body composition. ResultsAll performance domains except the bench press and deadlift worsened following training. Speed/mobility (Illinois agility test, seconds – BL: 16.20±0.86 vs. P2: 18.66±2.09), anaerobic capacity (300-yard shuttle run, seconds – BL: 62.95±6.17 vs. P2: 67.23±5.91), core strength (heel clap, repetitions – BL: 15.80±4.08 vs. P2: 11.50±4.95), and aerobic endurance (beep test, stage – BL: 9.95±2.18 vs. P2: 7.55±1.07) had not recovered by P2. Only upper body muscular endurance and strength (metronome push-up and pull-up, respectively) were similar to BL by P2. Percent body fat increased from 15.62±3.94 (BL) to 19.33±2.99 (P2) (p<0.001). There were no significant associations between changes in body composition and performance. ConclusionsA comprehensive characterization of physical performance and body composition revealed Rangers did not experience full recovery of fitness six weeks after training. Optimal recovery strategies are needed to return Soldiers to a state of readiness following arduous training.