Author(s): CEZAR SANTIAGO DOS SANTOS, D., EDUARDO HYDES MARCO ANTONIO, J., SILVA, C., LIMA D'URSO, F., MAURÍCIO MAGRANER, J., ROBERTO DORO, M., PIVETTA PIRES, G., FIGUEIRA JUNIOR, A., Institution: UNIVERSIDADE SÃO JUDAS TADEU, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 383

INTRODUCTION:
Physical fitness is a key determinant of military operational readiness and is traditionally developed through Traditional Military Physical Training (TMPT). However, this model, primarily based on conventional calisthenics and continuous running, may present limitations regarding time efficiency and the simultaneous development of operational physical capacities. High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) has been proposed as an efficient strategy to promote neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory adaptations, considering the relationship between training intensity and time economy. Nevertheless, controlled studies comparing these training models in Brazilian Air Force military personnel remain scarce.
METHODS:
This randomized experimental study lasted 12 weeks and included 24 male Brazilian Air Force Police military personnel, allocated into two groups: Traditional Military Physical Training (Control Group – CG) and TMPT combined with HIFT (HIFT Group – HG). Both groups performed five weekly training sessions. The CG followed the standard military training program, consisting of continuous and interval running, localized gymnastics, sports activities, and free training, with an estimated average weekly volume of 205 minutes during weeks 1–6 and 270 minutes during weeks7–12. The HG followed the same program, with the addition of two weekly HIFT sessions, separated by a minimum of 48 hours. HIFT sessions consisted of circuit-based calisthenic exercises (pull-ups, push-ups, rowing sit-ups, and jump squats), progressively structured in terms of repetitions, rounds, and rest intervals. The HG’s estimated average weekly training volume was 144 minutes during weeks 1–6 and 174 minutes during weeks 7–12. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included handgrip strength, upper-body muscular endurance, aerobic performance (Cooper test), subcutaneous fat thickness and muscle thickness assessed by portable ultrasound, as well as blood pressure and heart rate variability. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA (p < 0.05).
RESULTS:
The HG showed significant improvements in handgrip strength (+9.6%; p = 0.002), upper-body muscular endurance (+10.4%; p = 0.046), reductions in abdominal (−35.5%; p = 0.004) and axillary (−17.0%; p = 0.019) subcutaneous fat thickness, and an increase in thigh muscle thickness (+14.0%; p = 0.003). The CG showed no significant changes in neuromuscular or subcutaneous fat variables, except for an increase in abdominal muscle thickness (+10.0%; p = 0.02).
CONCLUSION:
The addition of HIFT to traditional military physical training promoted superior anthropometric and neuromuscular adaptations over 12 weeks, despite a lower weekly training volume. These findings suggest that HIFT is a time-efficient alternative for enhancing military operational readiness.