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HIGH INTENSITY FUNCTIONAL TRAINING IMPROVES COMBAT READINESS IN ROTC CADETS: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Many joining the armed services, including through the Reserve Officer Training Crop (ROTC), are evaluated by pushups, sit-ups, and a timed run. While these tests assess baseline fitness, their relevance to the varied physical demands of combat or high-risk situations is debated. High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), focusing on multi-joint, functional movements (e.g., squats, deadlifts, presses), prepares individuals for diverse physical demands through varied exercise formats, from heavy lifts to aerobic conditioning. These varied stimuli suggest potential of HIFT for enhancing ROTC cadets’ combat readiness, yet its specific effects in this group have not been thoroughly investigated. PURPOSE: To assess HIFT’s effectiveness in improving body composition and combat readiness among collegiate ROTC cadets. METHODS: At the start of an academic semester, 58 cadets’ (age = 21.1 ± 1.8 years, 27% female) body composition (using Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry) and performance on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) were measured. An 11-week HIFT intervention was implemented, aimed at enhancing overall work capacity. Post-intervention, ACFT performance and body composition were reassessed. RESULTS: Composite (unified z-score) ACFT performance showed significant improvement (mean diff. = 0.706 ± 0.17, F = 17.70, p < .001, n2p = 0.179) of over time. However, body composition changes were not significant over time (mean diff. = 0.95 ± 1.73%, F = 0.30, p = .586, n2p = .005), though a small interaction effect was observed between sexes (F = 3.491, p = .067, n2p = .056). For lean mass, no significant change over time occurred (mean diff. = -2.88 ± 3.11 kg, F = .859, p =.358, n2p =.015), yet a moderate sex interaction effect is present (F = 9.00, p = .004, n2p = .134). DISCUSSION: This pilot study provides evidence that HIFT effectively enhances cadet fitness for combat scenarios, though it alone may not benefit body composition change. Observed sex-based differences suggest that lifestyle factors like diet or sleep habits may influence body composition outcomes. Further research is recommended to explore these factors’ impact on body composition and overall combat readiness in ROTC cadets and confirm the present findings.

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