Training-Induced Acute Neuromuscular Responses to Military Specific Test during a Six-Month Military Operation

Kai Pihlainen, Arto J Pesola, Joonas Helén, Keijo Häkkinen, Taija Finni, Tommi Ojanen, Jani P. Vaara, Matti Santtila, Jani Raitanen and Heikki Kyröläinen
Additional contact information
Kai Pihlainen: Training Division, Defence Command, P.O. Box 919, 00131 Helsinki, Finland
Arto J Pesola: Active Life Lab, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 68, 50101 Mikkeli, Finland
Joonas Helén: Department of Military Pedagogy and Leadership, National Defence University, P.O. Box 7, 00861 Helsinki, Finland
Keijo Häkkinen: Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35 (VIV), 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
Taija Finni: Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35 (VIV), 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
Tommi Ojanen: Human Performance Division, Finnish Defence Research Agency, P.O. Box 5, 04401 Järvenpää, Finland
Jani P. Vaara: Department of Military Pedagogy and Leadership, National Defence University, P.O. Box 7, 00861 Helsinki, Finland
Matti Santtila: Department of Military Pedagogy and Leadership, National Defence University, P.O. Box 7, 00861 Helsinki, Finland
Jani Raitanen: UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, P.O. Box 30, 33501 Tampere, Finland
Heikki Kyröläinen: Department of Military Pedagogy and Leadership, National Defence University, P.O. Box 7, 00861 Helsinki, Finland

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 18, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Limited data are available regarding strength and endurance training adaptations to occupational physical performance during deployment. This study assessed acute training-induced changes in neuromuscular (electromyography; EMG) and metabolic (blood lactate, BLa) responses during a high-intensity military simulation test (MST), performed in the beginning (PRE) and at the end (POST) of a six-month crisis-management operation. MST time shortened (145 ± 21 vs. 129 ± 16 s, −10 ± 7%, p < 0.001) during the operation. Normalized muscle activity increased from PRE to POST in the hamstring muscles by 87 ± 146% (116 ± 52 vs. 195 ± 139%EMG MVC , p < 0.001) and in the quadriceps by 54 ± 81% (26 ± 8 vs. 40 ± 20%EMG MVC , p < 0.001). In addition, higher acute BLa values were measured after MST during POST. Changes in BLa and EMG suggested an increased neural input and metabolic rate during POST MST, likely leading to faster performance times at the end of the operation. High EMG values throughout the different phases of MST suggested that despite the anaerobic nature of the test, the soldiers were able to maintain their voluntary muscle activation level until the end of the test. This indicates only limited neural fatigue during the two-minute high-intensity military specific performance. While learning effect may explain some part of the improvement in the MST performance times, combined strength and endurance training three times per week may improve neuromuscular performance in occupationally relevant tasks.

Keywords: readiness; physical fitness; soldier; occupational performance; electromyography (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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