Block-Periodized Training Improves Physiological and Tactically Relevant Performance in Naval Special Warfare...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Human Performance
• Military Training

Background:

• Physical readiness and injury prevention are critical for Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Operators.
• Optimizing training programs is essential to enhance operator capabilities and mitigate musculoskeletal injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of two distinct training programs on physical, physiological, and performance characteristics in NSW Operators.
• To compare a 12-week block-periodized program against a nonlinear periodized program during a training evolution.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-five NSW Operators were divided into an experimental (block-periodized) and a control (nonlinear) group.
• Pretesting and posttesting assessed body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, flexibility, landing biomechanics, postural stability, and tactical performance.
• Training interventions were integrated into the operators' existing training evolution over 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed significant reductions in body fat, fat mass, and body mass compared to the control group.
• Both groups improved aerobic capacity, but the experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in shoulder and ankle flexibility, landing strategies, balance, agility, and overall muscular strength.
• The control group experienced reductions in shoulder, knee, and ankle flexibility.

Conclusions:

• A population-specific, block-periodized training program effectively enhances physical readiness and performance in NSW Operators.
• This structured, progressive training approach can be implemented concurrently with tactical training without causing overload.
• Block periodization appears superior to nonlinear periodization for improving key physical attributes relevant to NSW operations.