As a tactical athlete, you must fulfill certain physical training (PT) requirements, related to your job description. However, in many cases, the PT test is not necessarily representative of the true physical and mental characteristics that you require to perform on the field, during training and duty. For that reason, every military branch has invested on experienced, certified, strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, social workers, physical therapists, dieticians, and other professionals; to ensure you enhance and maintain readiness, always.
PT is not in place just to help you to pass the PT test. That would be detrimental for your own and the squadron’s mission. You go to PT to ensure you are in the best physical and mental shape required for duty, at any time. In addition, staying in good shape supports your health and career longevity.
As a tactical athlete, you are predisposed to certain, documented health risk factors that could be prevented:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
A degenerative disease of the joints (bones, cartilage and connective tissue) that is typically expected to see in the elderly, is commonly present in adults, during the third decade of age. OA is a chronical disease that could limit activity and overall quality of life, and is associated with comorbidities, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes (1).
As a tactical athlete, you might not be obese, but you are required to carry the extra weight of gear and gadgets during training and duty in order to perform. Have you considered that carrying that extra weight on a regular basis is the equivalent of being obese and causes distress on joints and connective tissue? You must be ready for regular, external loading and PT prepares you for that!
Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSIs)
MSIs could have the greatest impact on your health and readiness, when compared with any other medical problems and are the primary reason that could limit your ability to deploy (2). A study published on the Military Medicine journal (3) measured the impact of PT on MSIs, showing a reduction on stress fractures, tissue overuse (in both, upper and lower extremities), lumbar spine injuries, and traumatic injuries.
Muscle Imbalances and Asymmetries
Your daily activities could have greater demands on some muscles than others, causing overuse and underuse, causing muscle imbalances and asymmetries and possible chronic problems, in the long run.
The U.S. Air Force has recorded trunk, neck, back and upper extremity injuries, as the most prevalent; followed by knee and lower extremity injuries, in volume (2). When non-traumatic, most injuries could be prevented by maintaining proper balance of strength and flexibility in muscles surrounding each joint. That is, a regular, progressive PT program, including resistance training and flexibility will support your proper performance, pain management, injury prevention, readiness, and longevity in your career and personal life.
Conclusion
Regular PT (at least 3 days per week) is mandated to support your personal and the squadron’s mission. As a tactical athlete, you are not only responsible for your wellbeing, but your squadron’s as well. If you are weak or injured, you compromise the mission. However, there is always room for improvement. Especially when injured, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention and the support of your athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach. This will ensure your proper recovery and minimize the risk of further injury, while expanding your longevity and reducing and/or eliminating pain.
Most injuries include overused muscles that are not properly trained. This is easily prevented with proper PT.
References:
- Cameron, K. L., Driban, J. B., & Svoboda, S. J. (2016). Osteoarthritis and the tactical athlete: a systematic review. Journal of athletic training, 51(11), 952-961.
- Eagle, S. R., Keenan, K. A., Connaboy, C., Wohleber, M., Simonson, A., & Nindl, B. C. (2019). Bilateral quadriceps strength asymmetry is associated with previous knee injury in military special tactics operators. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 33(1), 89-94.
- Sell, T. C., Abt, J. P., Nagai, T., Deluzio, J. B., Lovalekar, M., Wirt, M. D., & Lephart, S. M. (2016). The eagle tactical athlete program reduces musculoskeletal injuries in the 101st airborne division (air assault). Military Medicine, 181(3), 250-257.
Applied Exercise Science 