Comparisons and Intercorrelations of Physical Performance Variables of Operational Preparedness in Special Operations Forces.

INTRODUCTION: Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) deploys teams of operators (OP) and enablers (EN) to accomplish special operations missions. OP and EN are required to train and deploy together to accomplish these missions; however, they have different training and selection pipelines. Advanced strength and conditioning training strategies are applied to both OP and EN to enhance physical preparedness; however, it is unclear how the selection pipeline of these two personnel types affects overall physical preparedness and the relationships between performance variables. The purpose of this study is to gain a greater understanding of the relationships of a wide array of physical preparedness variables in OP and EN in an effort to streamline testing and training strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, 155 male (82 OP, 73 EN) MARSOC personnel (age: 29.5 ± 4.9 years, mass: 87.9 ± 11.1 kg, height: 1.79 ± 0.07 m) completed a physical preparedness assessment that included a DEXA assessment of body composition (BF%), 27.4 m sprint (30 yd), countermovement jump (VJ), 5-10-5 pro-agility (Agility), medicine ball toss (UBP), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and a 30 second (AnC) and 5 minute (AC) non-motorized treadmill run. Independent samples t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman's Rank correlations were used to compare variables between OP and EN. RESULTS: OP demonstrated greater VJ, UBP, IMTP, AnC, and AC (P < 0.05); and significantly lower BF% and agility time (P < 0.05). Measurements of mass, height, body mass index, and 30 yd were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Weak to moderate correlations were seen between anthropometric and performance variables. OP and EN demonstrated similar correlations for most performance and anthropometric variables. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MARSOC OP demonstrate better physical preparedness over EN, while similar trends are observed between performance variables. Tests with moderate to high correlations may be removed from the protocol to account for testing time constraints. Height, weight, and BF% variables are poorly correlated with performance, particularly in OP, questioning their value in physical performance assessments in this population.

Training Strategies Maintain Performance Characteristics in Marines Selected for Marine Forces Special Operations Individualized Training Course.

INTRODUCTION: Marines must complete an intensive Assessment and Selection (A&S) course before becoming a U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Raider. Following selection, marines are given training recommendations designed to maintain performance characteristics deemed relevant to successfully complete a rigorous 9-month Individualized Training Course (ITC). However, training strategies are individually implemented by the marine, and the time between the two courses is highly irregular, ranging between 2 months and 24 months based on operational factors related to military occupational specialty (MOS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in performance between the completion of A&S and the start of ITC and to examine if the duration between courses and previous MOS influenced changes in performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Body fat percentage (BF%), anaerobic power (AP), anaerobic capacity (AC), aerobic capacity (VO2max), knee flexion (KF), knee extension (KE), trunk extension (TE), and trunk flexion (TF) isokinetic strength were collected on 38 marines (age: 25.1 ± 2.7 years, height: 1.77 ± 0.05 m, mass: 83.2 ± 7.7 kg, Post-A&S to ITC start: 204.1 ± 68.4 days) following A&S and directly before ITC. RESULTS: Pre-ITC students had significantly greater mass (P = .002), BF% (P = .000), and AP (P = .039). There were no significant changes in AC (P = .170), VO2max (P = .259), KF (P = .400), KE (P = .320), TE (P = .178), and TF (P = .643). There was no significant relationship between performance outcomes and time between courses and previous MOS. CONCLUSION: Current training strategies appear effective at addressing performance deficits that occur as a result of A&S, while maintaining high levels of KF, KE, TE, TF, AC, and VO2max. However, pre-ITC students still exhibited AP deficits compared to active marine raiders, so forthcoming programming may benefit from an increased emphasis on AP. Assessment of additional selectees at these timepoints, as well as students before A&S may provide valuable information to MARSOC human performance specialists to develop programing, ultimately leading to a higher ITC graduation rate, increased force readiness, and decreased financial burden forcewide.

Asymmetrical Loading Patterns in Military Personnel With a History of Self-Reported Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND: Servicemembers are required to operate at high levels despite experiencing common injuries such as chronic low back pain. Continuing high levels of activity while compensating for pain may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. As such, the purpose of this project was to determine if servicemembers with chronic low back pain have reduced lower extremity performance, and if they use alternate strategies to complete a functional performance task as compared to healthy servicemembers. METHODS: Of a total of 46 male United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) personnel, 23 individuals who suffered from chronic low back pain (age = 28.6 ± 4.4 years, weight = 84.2 ± 6.8 kg) and 23 healthy controls (age = 27.9 ± 3.8 years, weight = 83.8 ± 7.7 kg) completed a stop jump task. In this task, three-dimensional biomechanics were measured, and lower extremity and trunk strength were assessed. RESULTS: The low back pain group exhibited higher vertical ground reaction force impulse on the dominant limb (0.26% body weight [BW]/s), compared to the nondominant limb (0.25% BW/s, p = .036). The control group demonstrated relationships between jump height and strength in both limbs (dominant: r = 0.436, p = .043; nondominant: r = 0.571, p = .006), whereas the low back pain group demonstrated relationships between jump height and dominant limb knee work (r = 0.470, p = .027) and ankle work (r = 0.447, p = .037). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that active-duty MARSOC personnel with a history of low back pain reach similar levels of jump height during a counter movement jump, as compared to those without a history of low back pain. However, the asymmetries displayed by the low back pain group suggest an alternate strategy to reaching similar jump heights as compared to healthy individuals.

Altered Physical Performance Following Advanced Special Operations Tactical Training.

ABSTRACT: Winters, JD, Heebner, NR, Johnson, AK, Poploski, KM, Royer, SD, Nagai, T, Randall, CA, Abt, JP, and Lephart, SM. Altered physical performance following advanced special operations tactical training. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1809-1816, 2021-The purpose of this study was to determine how the unique challenges of specific military tactical training phases influence overall physical performance characteristics. Broad jump, 5-10-5, 300-yd shuttle, percent body fat (%BF), anaerobic power (AP) and anaerobic capacity (AC), maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max), isokinetic knee extension/flexion strength, shoulder internal/external rotation strength, and trunk extension/flexion strength were collected on 73 United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) students (age: 27.4 ± 3.8 years, height: 178.7 ± 6.6 cm, and body mass: 85.8 ± 9.4 kg) at the beginning of (P1), in between (P2), and at the completion of 2 distinct tactical training phases (P3). Linear mixed models were used to analyze within-subject performance changes over the 3 time points, and post hoc Bonferroni pairwise comparisons analyzed performance changes between each testing time point. There were significant changes in broad jump (p < 0.0001), 5-10-5 agility time (p < 0.001), %BF (p = 0.011), AP (p < 0.0001), V̇o2max (p = 0.001), and both right and left shoulder internal rotation strength (p = 0.004 and p = 0.015, respectively) between P1 and P2. There were also significant changes in 300-yd shuttle run time (p = 0.001), AP (p < 0.0001), AC (p < 0.0001), left knee extension strength (p = 0.006), trunk flexion strength (p < 0.0001), and left shoulder external rotation strength (0.027) between P2 and P3. Identifying the effect that specific tactical training phases may have on physical performance will allow for the development of effective phase-specific evidence-based human performance programs, reducing performance deficits and thereby reducing the risk of injury.

INFLUENCE OF LIMB DOMINANCE AND SHOULDER INJURY ON STRENGTH AND EXPLOSIVE FORCE IN US MARINES.

BACKGROUND: The specialized roles of many military personnel require specific skills and high physical demands, placing unique stresses on the shoulders and increasing risk of injury. As normal dominant/nondominant shoulder asymmetries have been established in military personnel, bilateral strength comparisons must be understood in context of daily physical demands to monitor patients' progress or readiness to return to duty. PURPOSE: This study aims to assess bilateral differences in strength and explosive force in United States Marines with a history of dominant or nondominant shoulder pathology. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-Sectional. METHODS: A total of 52 full-duty, male US Marines with a shoulder injury within the prior year participated. Bilateral isokinetic shoulder internal (IR) and external (ER) rotation strength, and peak force (Peak Force) and average rate of force production (Avg Rate) during an explosive push-up were collected. Dominant versus nondominant side data were independently examined within each group (DOM: dominant injury, NOND: nondominant injury). Comparison between DOM and NOND, as well as previously published CON (no history of shoulder injury) was also completed. RESULTS: NOND (n = 26) demonstrated significantly less IR (p < 0.001) and ER (p = 0.003) strength and Peak Force (p = 0.001) and Avg Rate (p = 0.047) on the injured side, while DOM (n = 26) demonstrated no bilateral differences in strength or push-up performance. Comparison between the three groups showed that NOND demonstrated significantly less ER strength than CON (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Military personnel demonstrate asymmetric strength patterns likely due to increased demand of the dominant shoulder. US Marines with a history of injury to the nondominant shoulder performed differently than those with a dominant side injury, presenting with both strength and push-up asymmetries. They also demonstrated significant ER strength deficits compared to CON. Common clinical practice and previous literature often compare injured and uninjured limbs or injured individuals to healthy controls, but further distinction of dominant or nondominant side may provide more accurate information needed to develop targeted treatment strategies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Recognizing unique occupational demands and how patients may present differently with dominant versus nondominant side shoulder injuries are important considerations for ensuring accurate assessment and effective individualized rehabilitation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Military Protein Intake Related to Strength and Fat Mass Independent of Energy Intake.

INTRODUCTION: Kinetic military units operate in austere training environments and deprivation not commonly experienced by competitive athletes. Nutritional strategies to protect against decrements in performance and potential injury risk may differ for these two groups. A cross sectional analysis was conducted to determine energy and macronutrient characteristics associated with performance metrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 78 male subjects (age: 28.4 ± 6.0 years, height: 178.3 ± 6.7 cm, mass: 84.3 ± 9.4 kg, 8.5 ± 5.8 years of service) assigned to Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command completed a 1-day performance assessment. Body mass, lean body mass, fat mass (FM), aerobic capacity (VO2max), lactate inflection point (LT), anaerobic power, anaerobic capacity, knee flexion strength, knee extension strength, peak knee flexion strength, and peak knee extension strength outcome values were recorded. Dietary intake was collected using automated self-administered 24-hour dietary recall (ASA24). Performance assessment scores were compared with macronutrient intake and controlled for energy intake using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Differences in knee flexion strength, knee extension strength, peak knee flexion strength, and peak knee extension strength were significant across low (LPRO), medium (MPRO), and high (HPRO) protein intake groups (p < 0.05) with LPRO performance metrics significantly lower than both MPRO and HPRO and MPRO significantly lower than HPRO. FM was significantly higher in LPRO than MPRO or HPRO (p < 0.05). Low carbohydrate intake (LCHO) was associated with greater body mass and FM compared with high (HCHO) (p < 0.05). There was no association between fat intake and any variable. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in protein intake may have beneficial performance effects independent of total energy intake, while moderate increases in carbohydrate intake may not be sufficient to enhance physical performance in a special operations population.

Patterns and Associations of Shoulder Motion, Strength, and Function in MARSOC Personnel Without History of Shoulder Injury.

Introduction: Military personnel are at an increased risk of shoulder injuries due to training and deployment demands, however, there is a lack of information on the tactical athlete's upper extremity profile. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine shoulder musculoskeletal characteristics, including range of motion (ROM), strength, and function, and the relationships between these measures in Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) personnel without history of shoulder injury. Materials and Methods: Participants included 195 full-duty male MARSOC personnel (age: 25.38 ± 2.85 yr; height: 1.79 ± 0.06 m, mass: 82.79 ± 7.88 kg) without history of shoulder injury. Measurements of ROM, strength, and function were obtained bilaterally. Shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) ROM were summed to calculate total arc of motion (ARC). Shoulder IR and ER strength were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Function was evaluated with an explosive push-up. Results: MARSOC personnel present with significantly increased ER ROM, and decreased IR ROM and ARC in their dominant shoulder. They demonstrated greater IR strength and peak force during the explosive push-up on the dominant side but no bilateral differences in average or peak rate were found. Correlation analyses suggest a weak inverse relationship between strength and ARC (r = -0.15 to -0.24). Positive relationships between strength and function were identified except for dominant IR strength and push-up variables. Those with the greatest ARC demonstrated significantly weaker IR and ER strength compared to those with less motion. Conclusions: MARSOC personnel demonstrate shoulder ROM and strength symmetry patterns similar to overhead athletes. Increased dominant shoulder strength does appear to translate to a bilateral functional performance, but overall performance may be limited by the weaker nondominant upper extremity. As ARC increases, IR and ER rotation strength decrease. Repetitive, increased loading of the dominant shoulder during functional movements and training may increase risk of chronic, overuse-type injuries, common to the military. Unilateral exercises and movement analysis should be incorporated to encourage proper development of bilateral shoulder strength, which may be particularly important in those with high ranges of ARC.

Physical, Physiological, and Dietary Comparisons Between Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command Critical Skills Operators and Enablers.

Introduction: Tactical demands of a Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Critical Skills Operator (CSO) require high levels of physical performance. During combat deployments, teams of CSOs are supplemented with enablers who specialize in mission-specific tasks. MARSOC CSOs and enablers serve alongside each other in extreme combat environments, often enduring the same physical demands, but the selection process for each group is very different. The purpose of this observational study was to quantify the physical, physiological, and dietary differences of MARSOC CSOs and enablers, as this may have a direct impact on tactical performance and provide important information to shape future research. Materials and Methods: Fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), fat mass index (FMI), fat free mass index (FFMI), anaerobic power (AP), anaerobic capacity (AC), aerobic capacity (VO2max), knee flexion (KF), knee extension (KE), trunk extension (TE), and trunk flexion (TF) isokinetic strength were collected. Dietary intake was collected using automated self-administered 24-hr dietary recalls (ASA24) for a subgroup of subjects. Results: Testing on 164 male CSOs (age: 27.5 ± 3.8 yr, height: 178.7 ± 6.5 cm, mass: 85.7 ± 9.1 kg, and 7.6 ± 2.9 yr of military service) and 51 male enablers (age: 27.8 ± 5.4 yr, height: 178.4 ± 8.5 cm, mass: 83.8 ± 11.8 kg, and 7.9 ± 5.4 yr of military service) showed there were no significant differences for age, height, mass, or years of military service. (p > 0.05). CSOs demonstrated greater physiological performance in AP (W/kg) (p = 0.020), AC (W/kg) (p = 0.001), and VO2max (ml/kg/min) (p = 0.018). There were no significant differences in FM and FFM (p > 0.05), however CSOs demonstrated significantly higher FFMI (p = 0.011). CSOs also demonstrated greater KF (%BW) (p = 0.001), KE (%BW) (p = 0.001), TE (%BW) (p = 0.010), and TF (%BW) (p = 0.016). No differences in energy or macronutrient intake were observed in the subgroup. Conclusions: MARSOC CSOs demonstrated significantly greater FFMI, AP, AC, VO2max, KF, KE, TE, and TF compared with enablers. Dietary intake was consistent between groups, but fueling concerns were identified for all personnel in the subgroup. These findings suggest the need for future studies to examine what physiological and strength thresholds are necessary to operate effectively as a member of a MSOT and determine the relationship between specific performance deficits and risk of injury. In addition, the integration of nutrition strategies that augment and optimize the performance of both CSOs and enablers may be beneficial.