Interval Training Methods to Increase Performance Markers and Load Carriage in Tactical Professionals
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Abstract
Load carriage is an inherent part of the military and other tactical occupations (e.g., law enforcement, firefighters). Variation in load carriage ranges from 7-60 kg and can increase energy expenditure as well as lead to higher injury risk. Various novel training methods such as low-intensity interval training (LIT) in combination with blood flow restriction (BFR) as well as high-intensity interval training (HIT) aim at enhancing critical velocity (CV), aerobic fitness, and load carriage performance. Two investigations identified the feasibility of LIT with BFR and the use of HIT to increase performance and load carriage. Methods: Twelve male participants (21.8 +/- 1.5 yrs) underwent LIT with (BFR-LOAD) and without BFR (LOAD) loaded with 15% of their body mass to compare the acute metabolic and perceptual responses. Next, twenty adult participants (male = 15, female = 5) (age = 21.8 +/- 1.5 yrs) completed 4-weeks of HIT (2 d⋅wk-1) to compare aerobic fitness and load carriage task performance. Results: Metabolic responses (VO2) were elevated 7% during BFR-LOAD (p = .001) compared with BFR familiarization and LOAD Condition. There were significant increases with CV (p = .005) and velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) (p = .037), but there was no statistical difference between the groups. There were load carriage performance improvements for the 3200 m task (p < .001) with a decrease of 9.8% in completion times. Conclusion: There was an increased metabolic response during the BFR-LOAD condition. Thus, there is a potential for BFR to limit the use of load carriage for individuals engaging in rehabilitation and reconditioning programs due to injury. Furthermore, four weeks of 2 d⋅wk-1 HIT was appropriate to see improvements in with aerobic measures of CV and vVO2max as well as improvements in the load carriage task performances. LIT and HIT methods warrant continued research to increase aerobic fitness and load carriage performance.