Combat tasks and physical readiness of military personnel: a systematic review

Abstract

Aim: The physical requirements of a military career reinforce the need for specific physical preparation for the work activities. Thus, combat tasks have been used in the planning and evaluation of training methods that objectify the physical readiness of military personnel. The aim of this review was to identify the physical training methods that improved the physical readiness of military personnel by evaluating combat tasks. Methods: A systematic review was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, a full analysis was conducted of the final sample. Results: The results analysis initially highlighted the sample, the physical training methods applied, and the results obtained with relation to the combat tasks evaluated. After that stage, the data related to the training variables were highlighted (duration, frequency, volume, intensity, and periodization). Conclusion: Strength, functional, and physical readiness training programs seems to improve better the performance of military personnel in combat tasks. The periodization of the physical training and the total training volume appear to have a direct relationship with the difference in performance between the groups evaluated and the improvement in physical readiness of the tactical athletes.