Abstract
(1) Background. Military personel could be defined as “Tactical Athletes”. However, experimental evidence about the effects of new HIIT trainings in comparison with traditional training schedules is lacking. The aim of this study was to experimentally analyze the modifications on psycho-physiological and performance response of soldiers after completing experimental integral operative training. (2) Methods. A total of 43 male subjects of a special unit force of the Spanish armed forces were randomly selected and assigned into the experimental and control groups assessed after training and after deploying in a real operation area. The experimental group underwent an integral operative pre-mission 6-week training (IOT), and the control group, the 6-week traditional training. (3) Results. HIIT-based integral operative training significantly improved combat performance (melee combat score) and the psychophysiological stress response, as measured by heart rate variability indexes. (4) Conclusion. This study provides experimental evidence supporting a new integral operative effective for improved autonomic regulation, reduced perceived stress, melee and close-quarter combat techniques, in addition to aerobic and anaerobic performance and lower body strength in comparison with the traditional training.
Highlights
Military training is a challenging phenomenon, given the innate needs and demands of soldiers’ duties and the changing combat scenarios, which are highly demanding, unpredictable and asymmetrical [1]
The inclusion criteria were interim soldiers belonging to the special unit who were not enrolled in any mission or activity different from the physical training program imposed during the whole training process
Informed consent was obtained from each participant and the procedures were approved by the Headquarters of the Unit and the ethics committee of the European University of Madrid, Spain (CIPI/18/093)
Summary
Military training is a challenging phenomenon, given the innate needs and demands of soldiers’ duties and the changing combat scenarios, which are highly demanding, unpredictable and asymmetrical [1]. Extensive knowledge of technical–tactical military skills, high physical and psychological performance, self-confidence, combat preparedness and readiness among other attributes, have defined soldiers as “Tactical Athletes” [2]. Survival itself may be compromised, triggering the phylogenetic flight–fight response mediated by the autonomic nervous system, producing increased sympathetic modulation [3]. This response elicits a large organic activation, producing, for example, a blood lactate concentration that exceed the anaerobic threshold, reaching values as high as elite 400 m athlete; in line with this, muscular and cardiovascular response increase, and cortical arousal changes depending on the context [4]. The stressful nature of combat affects higher cortical processes, showing, in previous studies, how the exposition to intense acute combat stress impairs several psychological processes including perception, memory, cognitive function and even perceived exertion [5]. 4.0/).
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