Ready for Combat, Psychophysiological Modifications in a Close-Quarter Combat Intervention After an Experimental Operative High-Intensity Interval Training

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the effect of an experimental operative high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on the psychophysiological response of soldiers in a close-quarter combat (CQC) intervention. The psychophysiological response of 22 professional soldiers in a CQC before and after an experimental 2-week operative HIIT was analyzed. Training intervention produced a significant increase in blood lactate, isometric hand-grip strength, perceived stress, rates of perceived exertion, anxiety response, heart rate, and autonomic sympathetic modulation and a significant decrease in cortical arousal requirements. An experimental operative high-intensity interval training produced an increase on the psychophysiological operativity for CQC scenarios, increasing the sympathetic and physiological response and decreasing the cortical arousal requirement of soldiers.