Development and Implementation of a New Physical Training Concept in the Norwegian Navy Special Operations Command.

A high level of physical fitness is one important factor for optimal performance in Special Operation Forces (SOF). Still, information about physical training for SOF operators is not easily accessible. This study aimed to implement and assess a new training concept in the Norwegian Navy SOF. A longitudinal study where 22 operators completed a 6-month linear periodization (LP), followed by a 6-month nonlinear periodization (NLP) program. Both protocols were block periodized, focusing on either strength or aerobic capacity. A battery of tests covering strength, endurance, power, mobility, and body composition was performed, and individual capacity analyses were established. A training week consisted of 5 to 6 sessions including 1 or 2 individualized sessions directed towards improving the weakest capacity. The LP had a clear effect on mobility (19 ± 9%), abdominal strength (25 ± 16%), upper body power (PowerUB; 6 ± 9%), standing long-jump (3 ± 6%), pull-ups (24 ± 31%), agility (2 ± 4%), V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (2 ± 3%), fat percent (-5 ± 31%), and muscle mass (1 ± 3%). The NLP increased abdominal strength (15 ± 17%), standing long-jump (3 ± 4%), and anaerobic capacity (10 ± 8%), whereas V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max (-3 ± 4%) and PowerUB (-2 ± 7%) decreased. Additional analyses showed clear increases among those individually instructed to improve strength. Results support the benefits of combined periodized programming and individualized training sessions among SOF operators with initially good fitness levels. Largest effects were observed in the first phase with the LP. However, subsequent NLP additionally increased anaerobic and jumping capacity, possibly due to more frequent muscular endurance and power training. Because of frequent interruptions, the LP tended to be more difficult to follow than the NLP and is suggested when continuity is possible, whereas an NLP is recommended for maintenance and when standing on national preparedness.

Depressed Physical Performance Outlasts Hormonal Disturbances after Military Training.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an arduous 1-wk military course on measures of physical performance, body composition, and blood biomarkers. METHODS: Participants were apprentices in an annual selection course for the Norwegian Special Forces. Fifteen soldiers (23 ± 4 yr, 1.81 ± 0.06 m, 78 ± 7 kg) completed a hell week consisting of rigorous activity only interspersed by 2 to 3 h of sleep per day. Testing was conducted before and 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 d after the hell week. Physical performance was measured as muscle strength and jump performance. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance and blood samples were collected and analyzed for hormones, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: Body mass was reduced by 5.3 ± 1.9 kg during the hell week and returned to baseline within 1 wk. Fat mass was reduced by 2.1 ± 1.7 kg and muscle mass by 1.9 ± 0.9 kg. Muscle strength in leg press and bench press was reduced by 20% ± 9% and 9% ± 7%, respectively, and both were approximately 10% lower than baseline after 1 wk of recovery. Jump-height was reduced by 28% ± 13% and was still 14% ± 5% below baseline after 2 wk of recovery. Testosterone was reduced by 70% ± 12% and recovered gradually within a week. Cortisol was increased by 154% ± 74% and did not fully recover during the next week. Insulin-like growth factor 1 was reduced by 51% ± 10% and triiodothyronine and thyroxine by 12% to 30%, all recovered within a week. CONCLUSIONS: One-week arduous military exercise resulted in reductions in body mass and performance, as well as considerable hormonal disturbances. Our most important observation was that whereas the hormonal systems was normalized within 1 wk of rest and proper nutrition, lower body strength and jump performance were still depressed after 2 wk.