Changes in fitness and shipboard task performance following circuit weight training programs featuring continuous or...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Naval Fitness

Background:

• Physical fitness is crucial for naval personnel to perform demanding shipboard tasks.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different circuit weight training and running protocols is essential for optimizing naval training programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological and shipboard task performance effects of circuit weight training combined with continuous running (CWT/CR) versus interval running (CWT/IR) in Navy men.

Main Methods:

• 57 Navy men (mean age 19.5) were assigned to either CWT/CR or CWT/IR programs.
• Pre- and post-training assessments included dynamic strength (1 RM), power, muscular endurance, stamina, and simulated shipboard tasks.
• Performance metrics encompassed upper and lower body strength, arm ergometer power, sit-ups, time to exhaustion, and task completion times.

Main Results:

• Both CWT/CR and CWT/IR significantly enhanced performance on the manikin shoulder drag and most fitness measures.
• The CWT/IR group showed significantly higher improvements in shoulder press, arm ergometer power, and sit-ups compared to CWT/CR.
• The CWT/IR group also demonstrated significantly lower leg press muscular endurance values post-training.

Conclusions:

• Circuit weight training combined with interval running appears more effective than continuous running for improving specific aspects of strength and muscular endurance in young Navy men.
• Both training regimens positively impact functional shipboard task performance, highlighting the benefits of integrated training.