Author(s): MARCORA, S., SPINABELLI, S., RANUNCOLI, C., MRAKIC SPOSTA, S., NAVA, C., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 2189

INTRODUCTION:
High-intensity functional training (HIFT) has been proposed as an efficient way to improve soldier performance but specific research is limited. This study aimed to compare HIFT with traditional physical training (TRAD) of lower intensity and longer duration in novice Italian Alpine soldiers.
METHODS:
152 soldiers (65 females) were stratified by gender and randomly assigned to two groups. The HIFT group (n=77) performed circuit training sessions combining high-intensity running with callisthenics. The TRAD group (n=75) performed sessions focused on either running or callisthenics. Both groups trained 4-5 times a week for 8 weeks. Physical fitness and mood were tested pre, mid and post the training program using the Royal Marines Advanced Personnel Fitness Assessment (RM-APFA) (2-minute push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and a multi-stage running test) and the Italian Mood Scale. Motivation related to exercise and fitness improvement expectation were assessed pre. Exercise enjoyment and perceived workload were assessed mid and post. At the end of each training session, soldiers were asked to rate session intensity on a 0-10 scale (sRPE) and training load (sRPE-TL) was calculated as sRPE x session duration (min). Training efficiency was calculated as: (pre-to-post change in the RM-APFA total score/total training duration over the 8 weeks) x 100.
RESULTS:
18 soldiers were lost to follow-up with no significant difference between groups. No significant differences between groups were observed for fitness level, mood, motivation and expectation at baseline. Average session duration was significantly shorter in the HIFT (33 ± 11min) compared to TRAD (53 ± 10min; p<.001) whilst sRPE did not differ significantly (HIFT 5.4 ± 1.2, TRAD 5.1 ± 1.1; p<.068). As a result, sRPE-TL was significantly lower in HIFT (185 ± 71 a.u.) compared to TRAD (275 ± 75 a.u.; p<.001). Exercise enjoyment and perceived workload did not differ between groups. Mood assessment revealed increased Fatigue and decreased Vigor after 8 weeks of training in both groups (p<.05). All fitness variables significantly improved in both groups over the 8 weeks of training (time p<.001) with the sit-up score improving more in TRAD (group x time p<.016). However, training efficiency was significantly higher in the HIFT group (3.3 ± 1.8) compared to the TRAD group (2.4 ± 1.1) (p=.002). Among participants who completed the training programs, the median [IQR] of sessions missed due to injury or illness was 0 [3] in HIFT and 2 [5] in TRAD (p = .024).
CONCLUSION:
In novice Italian Alpine soldiers, HIFT improved physical fitness with higher efficiency and fewer days lost due to injury/illness than TRAD. The time saved by adopting an HIFT program could be allocated to other activities, such as specific skill acquisition. Future studies should evaluate the effects of such a training strategy on the performance of occupational tasks rather than just standard fitness tests.