Changes in Physical Performance Following Operational Military Training: A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Military Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Military personnel undergo rigorous operational training simulating combat emergencies.
• Understanding physical performance degradation post-training is crucial for optimizing military readiness.
• Current training practices aim to recreate physical stressors encountered in combat scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of operational training on military personnel's physical performance.
• To identify specific physical performance metrics most affected by multi-day operational training.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of six electronic databases was performed for relevant studies.
• Studies included active-duty military personnel assessed before and after operational training.
• Random-effects meta-analyses calculated standardized mean differences (Hedge's g) with 95% confidence intervals.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies (N=1592) revealed significant declines in physical performance metrics.
• A large pre-to-post decline was observed in lower body jump power (g=0.87).
• Small declines were noted in lower body jump distance, upper body endurance, and core endurance.

Conclusions:

• Military operational training leads to temporary, significant reductions in lower body power.
• Consistent findings indicate reductions in power production and muscular endurance.
• These performance decrements have implications for tactical requirements and personnel safety, necessitating focused training adjustments.