Comparison of the Effect of Circular Resistance Training and Intense Functional Training on the Physical Performance of Military Forces

The nature of military activity requires that a military person always have cardio-respiratory fitness and sufficient strength. The present study was conducted to compare the effect of circular resistance and intense functional training on the physical performance of military forces.

 In this semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design, among all the male military forces of an operational military center in Ahvaz, Iran 45 people were selected as available and were randomly assigned to three groups: intense functional training, circuit resistance training, and the control group. In the pre-test level, measurements of height, weight, maximum oxygen consumption, and anaerobic power were performed and then the training level began. The training protocol consisted of eight weeks and three training sessions each week. Finally, 24 hours after the end of the training phase, at the post-test level, the desired measurements were performed again. Data were analyzed by dependent t, covariance, and Bonferroni post hoc test using SPSS 19 software.

The results showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in the variables of age, height, and weight, and the groups were homogeneous in these three variables. Intense functional training and circular resistance training had a significant effect on increasing aerobic power (p<0.05) and increasing anaerobic power (p<0.05). The results indicated a significant improvement in aerobic and anaerobic power indices due to HIFT training compared to circular resistance training (p<0.05).

The results of the present study showed that both types of HIFT and circular resistance training increase aerobic capacity, improve anaerobic capacity, and improve the endurance of military forces. In general, the results of the present study emphasize the importance of HIFT training compared to circular resistance training on the physical performance of military forces.