Effects of Two Training Programs on Military Tasks and Physical Fitness in Infantry Soldiers

Abstract

The effectiveness of Army physical training at improving military task performance has not been established. PURPOSE: To compare traditional Army physical training to a modified 7 wk program in improving physical performance. METHODS: 182 Infantry Soldiers were assigned to either a traditional training (TT) group or a modified training (MT) group. 135 Soldiers completed the study (TT: n=40, 22.7±3.7yr, 78.9±12.0kg, 176.1±7.6cm; MT: n=95, 23.5±5.1yr, 79.7±11.3kg, 176.6±7.3cm). Both groups trained 5 d/wk for 7 wks. The TT group performed calisthenics and running (60–90 min/d). The MT group performed core stability (15 min/d, 4 d/wk), flexibility (15 min/d, up to 5 d/wk), resistance (60 min/d, 2 d/wk) and agility/speed/power (60 min/d, 2 d/wk) exercises, and loaded marching or running (1 d/wk). Variables of interest included: sit & reach (SR), 5 kg medicine ball throw (MB), 1-RM bench press (BP), vertical jump (VJ), agility drill (AD), pull-ups (PU), 30m rushes (30M), and a 50m casualty rescue (CR). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVAs and Tukey's Post-hoc testing (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There were no baseline group differences. Training resulted in significant improvements in CR, 30M, MB and BP for the MT group only. Time effects were observed for all measures except SR and VJ. Means ± SE reported for both groups pre- and post-training.TableCONCLUSIONS: A modified short-term physical training program positively influenced fitness and military tasks to a greater extent than traditional physical training suggesting that these new exercises should be incorporated into Army training programs. The effects were most pronounced in tasks requiring anaerobic power.