Army Training at High Intensity Study

We will examine the effectiveness of a high-intensity functional training (HIFT) exercise
intervention compared to Army Physical Readiness Training (APRT) and their related dietary
instructions in improving body composition (percent body fat [%BF], fat mass, lean body mass,
weight) and domains of Total Force Fitness (TFF; Army Physical Fitness Test [APFT], aerobic
capacity, power, strength, and combat preparation and readiness) in a 6-month
cluster-randomized clinical trial (CRCT) with 2 (+/- 1) month follow-up. We also will examine
the effects of both exercise programs on cardiovascular disease (CVD) health risk (resting
heart rate, blood pressure). We will conduct assessments at baseline, 6-months, and 2-month
follow-up (+/- 1 month). We also will assess training time/volume, injuries, adverse events,
adherence, and participant satisfaction and account for demographic and psychosocial
variables.

In our CRCT, we aim to recruit and randomize approximately 150 soldiers (n=15 clusters—staff
groups/platoons—per condition with at least 5 soldiers nested within each cluster) comparing
the effectiveness of HIFT versus usual care (APRT) on:

Specific Aim 1 - changes in body composition including: percent body fat (%BF), fat mass, fat
free mass, and body weight.

We hypothesize that soldiers in the HIFT condition will be significantly more likely to
decrease a. %BF and b. fat mass, and to increase c. fat free mass than those in the APRT
condition; we expect both groups to d. maintain body weight.

Specific Aim 2 - changes in fitness (e.g., APFT, power, strength), while accounting for
actual physical training time in each condition.

We hypothesize that soldiers in the HIFT condition will have significantly greater
improvement in their performance on fitness tests when compared to those in APRT, despite
significantly less total training time. These outcomes will help determine if
functional-oriented training can result in better fitness and combat preparedness for Army
personnel.

Inclusion Criteria:

- physical activity clearance to participate in the study via the Physical Activity
Readiness Questionnaire;

- willingness to adhere to study protocol and complete all study assessments; and

- high likelihood of assignment to the military post over the 8 (+/-) 1-month course of
the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

- being on permanent or temporary medical profile or having any medical condition or
injury which would prevent participation in the exercise protocols;

- having a pacemaker or other implanted/internal electrical device;

- currently on administrative leave or assigned to exclusively administrative duties;
and

- (if female) pregnant or lactating, or planning to become pregnant in the next
9-months.