|
Physical fitness considerations to optimize performance in essential military tasks
|
Mohammad Darvishi   , Hamze Shahali , Majid Noori , Saeid Zarei , Mohammad Momenzadeh , Seyed Zia Hejripour |
| Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baath Hospital, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran |
|
|
Abstract: (836 Views) |
| Physically essential military duties include carrying cargo, manually handling materials, and evacuating the wounded. This narrative review outlines the primary physical characteristics associated with the performance of these occupational tasks and reviews physical exercise intervention studies in military settings aimed at enhancing performance on these tasks. Load-carrying performance requires aerobic and neuromuscular fitness, focusing more on maximal strength and absolute maximal oxygen uptake, especially when dealing with heavier loads. For manual material handling, maximal strength and power are strongly related to single lifts, while repetitive lift performance is related to muscular strength, muscular endurance, and aerobic fitness. Injured locomotor performance is related to maximal strength, including grip strength, muscular endurance, absolute maximal oxygen uptake, and anaerobic capacity. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of muscular fitness in the successful performance of revised military job duties. Exercise intervention studies show that the combination of strength, aerobic, and load-carrying exercises can effectively increase load-carrying performance. Improvements in maximal lifting capacity can result from strength training or a combination of strength and aerobic training. In contrast, either strength training, aerobic training, or a combination thereof are effective in increasing lifting and carrying repetitions. Although limited studies are available for movement injuries, inconclusive results may suggest potential benefits of strength or combination exercises. |
Article number: 7 |
| Keywords: Soldier, physical fitness, physical training, aerobic exercise |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 251 kb]
(224 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
General
Received: 2024/01/7 | Accepted: 2024/09/21 | Published: 2024/09/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
