The Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training in Tactical Populations

The Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training Versus Traditional Strength Training or Concurrent Training on Performance and Readiness in Tactical Populations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) as compared to traditional resistance training (RT) and concurrent training consisting of RT and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance metrics, body composition, and mental and physical readiness of tactical personnel.

This study assesses the impact of 8-weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) as compared to traditional resistance training (RT) and concurrent training consisting of RT and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on various performance outcomes. The main questions the study aims to answer are:

• Evaluate the distinct effects of HIFT, RT, and RT plus HIIT over eight weeks on physical performance and body composition measures in tactical men and women.
• Determine the distress, training load, and physical readiness associated with each of the three distinct training interventions over eight weeks.

Participants will:

• Take part in 10-weeks total of study-related activity.
• Complete four total sessions of pre and post-testing sessions, which include body composition, maximal oxygen uptake testing (VO2max), upper and lower body maximal strength, and lower body power.
• Be randomly assigned to an exercise training intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive) and enrolled in a reserve officer training corps program.
• Subject has provided written and dated informed consent to participate in the study.
• Subject is in good health as determined by medical history and is cleared for exercise.
• BMI between 17.0 and 29.9 kg/m2.
• "Good" category or greater for their aerobic capacity according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) normative data for their age and sex as measured at their baseline visit.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants with any musculoskeletal injuries that would prevent completion of these exercise programs.
• Participants with any metabolic disorder, including known electrolyte abnormalities, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled thyroid disease, adrenal disease, or hypogonadism.
• Participants with a history of hepatorenal, musculoskeletal, autoimmune, or neurologic disease.
• Participants who have lost or gained greater than eight pounds within three months prior to study enrollment.
• Participants currently taking hyperlipidemic, hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, or anti-coagulant medications.
• Participants who are pregnant or lactating.