Objective: The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an 8-week integrated neuromuscular training intervention on the fundamental physical fitness parameters of military personnel, encompassing strength, velocity, agility, and equilibrium. Methodology: The research randomly allocated 20 military students from the National University of Defense Technology into two cohorts, utilizing an experimental methodology with longitudinal assessments at the onset, midpoint, and conclusion of the intervention to quantitatively assess the influence of the integrated neuromuscular training on velocity and agility. Participants in both the experimental and control groups were evaluated one week prior to the intervention, at the fourth week, and one week post-intervention. Statistical analysis involved a two-factor repeated measures ANOVA to compare measures across the three time points, while paired-sample t-tests were applied for pre-post comparisons. The experimental group engaged in an 8-week integrated neuromuscular training regimen, consisting of three 90-minute sessions per week, culminating in a total of 24 sessions. Concurrently, the control group adhered to a conventional physical training schedule, also structured around three 90-minute sessions per week, over the same 24-session period, thereby ensuring parity in total training duration and frequency between the experimental and control groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
24
The single module training paradigm followed a circuit-style format, with each training module consisting of 6 to 8 distinct exercise movements. Taking the INT training intervention on Mondays as an example, the training protocol involved completing one major module (e.g., plyometric exercises) before transitioning to another module (e.g., core stability exercises). Specific exercise methods, such as box jumps, were performed until all sets were completed before moving on to the next exercise (e.g., continuous depth jumps).
In the fundamental strength training, a circuit training modality is employed, with each training segment comprising 5 to 7 exercise movements. For instance, a series of squat exercises is performed initially, followed by upper body strength training such as bench presses; each movement must be completed with the specified number of sets and repetitions before proceeding to the next exercise. Explosiveness training enhances the rapid contraction capabilities of the muscles through a series of jumping and throwing movements, while flexibility exercises improve the range of motion of muscles and joints through a combination of static and dynamic stretching.
Unnamed facility
China, Changsha, China
Vertical-Jump Test
Vertical-Jump Test: The testing equipment used is the Swiss Myotest explosiveness testing device. Before the start of the test, participants completed familiarization exercises, jogging, stretching, and other routine warm-up activities. The best score out of three attempts was recorded. According to previous research, the test-retest reliability of the vertical jump test under the experimental conditions of this study is 0.993.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Balance Test
Balance Test: The Y-balance test (YBT) was used for measurement, following the testing patterns from studies by Plisky et al. and Xu Fei et al. . Specifically, the participant stands on the Y-balance test device with one leg, barefoot, and the other leg's foot is used to slowly push the test board to the furthest distance in three directions: anterior (A), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL). The sequence is first with the right leg supporting and then with the left leg supporting. Each direction is measured three times, and the maximum distance is taken for analysis. During the test, participants are required to keep their feet stationary and their hands off the anterior superior iliac spine. After the test, the composite score of the YBT for both legs is calculated based on the distances in the three directions for both the left and right legs, which is used to evaluate the participant's balance ability. The calculation formula is \[(A + PM + PL) / (3 × lower limb leng
Time frame: 8 weeks
Maximum Strength (1RM, 1 Repetition Maximum)
Maximum Strength (1RM, 1 Repetition Maximum): Before the official test, participants are required to perform familiarization exercises without weights, adhering to the standard techniques for the squat and bench press movements. Subsequently, an indirect test for maximum strength is conducted . The calculation formula by Brzycki et al. for 1RM is used: 1RM = weight repeated / (1.0278 - 0.0278 × number of repetitions). For the squat test, participants are instructed to maintain a fixed foot stance and toe angle, with heels always in contact with the ground, and the thighs should be parallel to or slightly below the ground level during each squat, with knees not extending beyond the toes . For the bench press test, participants are required to ensure that the barbell touches the chest before pressing the arms upward until they are fully extended. Research by Kravitz et al. indicates that the 1RM test has a high degree of accuracy.
Time frame: 8 weeks
100m Sprint Test
100m Sprint Test: Participants undergo two trials of the 100m sprint test. Prior to the official test, they all engage in 20 minutes of regular warm-up activities, including light jogging and stretching. They are instructed to use a standing start and to exert their maximum effort; upon hearing the start signal, they begin running. There is a 10-minute rest period between the two trials. The test is timed by professional referees with a precision of 0.01 seconds. To ensure consistency, the best performance out of the two trials is recorded.
Time frame: 8 weeks
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