Sex Differences in Training Loads during British Army Basic Training.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Military Physiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Understanding sex differences in training load is crucial for optimizing physical training programs.
• Basic military training imposes significant physical demands on recruits.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated sex-specific training load responses during demanding military entry programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the external and internal training loads between male and female recruits during 14 weeks of British Army basic training.
• To investigate potential sex-based disparities in physiological and perceptual responses to military training.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one male and 28 female British Army recruits had their training loads measured over 14 weeks.
• External loads (distance) and internal loads (heart rate, training impulse [TRIMP], rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) were recorded.
• Total energy expenditure was assessed during specific training periods.

Main Results:

• Men covered greater daily distances and expended more energy than women.
• Women exhibited higher daily training impulse (TRIMP) compared to men.
• Heart rate reserve and RPE did not significantly differ between sexes, though RPE correlated with TRIMP and distance.

Conclusions:

• Significant sex differences exist in training loads during British Army basic training.
• Higher training loads in women, particularly TRIMP, may contribute to increased injury risk.
• Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a practical measure for assessing internal training load in military settings.