The Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training in Tactical Populations

Last updated: February 8, 2026
Sponsor: University of South Carolina
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

Concurrent training

High-intensity functional training

Traditional resistance training

Clinical Study ID

NCT06582251
Pro00137947
  • Ages 18-35
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) as compared to traditional resistance training (RT) and concurrent training consisting of RT and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance metrics, body composition, and mental and physical readiness of tactical personnel.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Males and females between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive) and enrolled in areserve officer training corps program.

  • Subject has provided written and dated informed consent to participate in the study.

  • Subject is in good health as determined by medical history and is cleared forexercise.

  • BMI between 17.0 and 29.9 kg/m2.

  • "Good" category or greater for their aerobic capacity according to the AmericanCollege of Sports Medicine (ACSM) normative data for their age and sex as measuredat their baseline visit.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Participants with any musculoskeletal injuries that would prevent completion ofthese exercise programs.

  • Participants with any metabolic disorder, including known electrolyte abnormalities,uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled thyroid disease, adrenal disease, orhypogonadism.

  • Participants with a history of hepatorenal, musculoskeletal, autoimmune, orneurologic disease.

  • Participants who have lost or gained greater than eight pounds within three monthsprior to study enrollment.

  • Participants currently taking hyperlipidemic, hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, oranti-coagulant medications.

  • Participants who are pregnant or lactating.

Study Design

Total Participants: 44
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Concurrent training
Phase:
Study Start date:
August 26, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
January 01, 2026

Study Description

This study assesses the impact of 8-weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) as compared to traditional resistance training (RT) and concurrent training consisting of RT and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on various performance outcomes. The main questions the study aims to answer are:

  • Evaluate the distinct effects of HIFT, RT, and RT plus HIIT over eight weeks on physical performance and body composition measures in tactical men and women.

  • Determine the distress, training load, and physical readiness associated with each of the three distinct training interventions over eight weeks.

Participants will:

  • Take part in 10-weeks total of study-related activity.

  • Complete four total sessions of pre and post-testing sessions, which include body composition, maximal oxygen uptake testing (VO2max), upper and lower body maximal strength, and lower body power.

  • Be randomly assigned to an exercise training intervention.

Connect with a study center

  • University of South Carolina Sport Science Lab

    Columbia, South Carolina 29208
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • University of South Carolina Sport Science Lab

    Columbia 4575352, South Carolina 4597040 29208
    United States

    Site Not Available

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