EFFECTS OF TWO 8-WEEK PHYSICAL TRAINING MODELS (TRADITIONAL AND SPECIFIC) ON IMPROVED MILITARY PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of eight weeks of traditional physical training (TPT) and military-specific physical training (MSPT) on the physical and operational performance of infantry cadets of the Brazilian Air Force (BAF). This study consisted of 27 male cadets (22.8±1.6 years, 76.0±9.2 kg, 1.77±0.05 m) stratified according to initial levels of physical fitness and randomly allocated in TPT (n= 13) or MSPT (n= 14) groups. The TPT group performed the basic military physical training provided for the military and the MSPT group conducted specific operational training. The variables were analyzed through two evaluations at the beginning and end of the eight-week training protocol. Anthropometric evaluations, physical fitness, and military operational physical tests were performed. Internal training load was determined through session rating of perceived exertion. Two-way (group and time) analysis of variance was used to compare groups and periods of training. Bonferroni test was used as a post-hoc when necessary. The effect sizes were presented by partial eta squared (ηp²) and Cohen dz. No group and time interaction was found for any variable. Regarding the time effect, there was a decrease in both groups in the anthropometric variables. The variables that increased over time for both groups were push-up and sit-up repetitions in 1 min, aerobic power, and squat jump height, whereas time in the military operational physical test decreased. Regarding the internal training load, no interaction between the group and period was observed. Therefore, both TPT and MSPT groups were effective in improving the physical and operational performance of military personnel after eight weeks of training. Article visualizations: