Improvements In Physical Performance During 16 Weeks Of Military Training

Abstract

Finnish military training of conscripts involves an 8-week basic training (BT) period followed by another 8 weeks of specialized military training (SMT) that prepare conscripts' to special occupations related to their military branch. Physical training during BT is structured and rigorous involving approximately 145 hours. Physical training during SMT is more military-based than BT involving 163 hours. As military operational scenarios require optimal levels of physical performance, it is important to examine the extent to which BT and SMT are able to improve conscripts' physical performance. PURPOSE: To examine cardiovascular performance, neuromuscular performance, and basal hormonal changes before, during and after 16 weeks of military training. METHODS: 59 male soldiers (19.2±0.9 yrs, 1.79±0.06 m, 73.8±12.4 kg) were tested for VO2peak and maximal isometric force of the bilateral leg and arm extensor muscles. In addition, morning fasted blood samples were drawn and assayed for testosterone (TES) and cortisol (COR) concentrations during week 1 (pre), week 8 (post-BT) and week 16 (post SMT). RESULTS: During the first 8-weeks, conscripts' VO2max increased by 5.6 % (45.0±8 vs. 48.8± 7 ml/kg/min) with no further change following week 16 (49.1±8 ml/kg/min). Maximal isometric force of arm and leg extensors also increased during the first 8 weeks (arm: 680±182 vs. 774±182 N; leg: 2584±724 vs. 2730±823 N) by 3.8 % (p<0.001) and 8.1 % (p<0.001), respectively, with no further increase following week 16 (arm: 718±170; leg: 2679±967 N). Basal TES concentration increased during weeks 1 to 8 (17.8±5 vs. 20.8±6 nmol/L), while no changes were recorded thereafter (20.8±5 nmol/L). No significant changes were noticed in basal COR concentrations. Body fat % (pre; 10.4±4, post-BT: 9.0±4, post-SMT: 9.3±3 %) and waist circumference (83.4±10, 80.9±8, 80.8±7 cm) also decreased during BT, while no changes were recorded thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Finnish military BT is effective in improving the physical fitness of conscripts. A plateau in physical performance improvement during SMT is largely attributed to a lack of continued progression. For optimal physical performance improvement of conscripts during SMT, we recommend the inclusion of a structured physical training with greater intensity and / or training volume than during BT.