Effects of 8 Weeks of Complex Training, Continuous and Interval Aerobic Training on Pulmonary Capacities, Indicators of Respiratory-Pulmonary Necrosis, and Performance of Military Personnel in a Cold and Mountainous Climate

Background and Aim: There is a close and effective relationship between physical fitness and the efficiency of the respiratory system, so it is considered one of the essential factors for success in organizational missions and plays an important role in preventing respiratory problems, especially in cold and mountainous conditions; So, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of complex training, continuous and interval aerobic training on pulmonary capacities, indicators of respiratory-pulmonary necrosis, and performance of military personnel aged 30-45 in a cold and mountainous climate. Methods: 40 Military men aged 30-45 years were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (n = 10): (1) Complex training group, (2) interval aerobic group, (3) continuous aerobic group, and (4) control group. The training protocol was implemented for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week and each session takes about 90 minutes on a regular basis by 60% to 80% of 1RM (in the complex training group) and VO2max (in aerobic training groups) in the cold (November/January - with a temperature difference of %5 lower than the average daily temperature) and mountainous climate of Tabriz city. Pulmonary capacities and serum levels of clara cell protein (CC16) and surfactant protein D (SPD), and 3000 m running record were measured before and after the training, a protocol using respectively spirometer, electrochemiluminescence technique, and running track test. Results: Implementation of 8 weeks of complex training, interval and continuous aerobic training program significantly improved the lung capacity, 3000 meters running test record (P<0.05), and significantly decreased plasma indices of CC16 and SPD (P<0.05) in military personnel. Also, ANOVA and Bonferroni posthoc test revealed that the improvement of these indices was relatively more significant in the complex training group compared to aerobic training groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Performing 8 weeks of complex training more efficiently reduces necrosis and catabolic responses and increases respiratory capacity and improves performance in cold and mountainous climates in comparison to aerobic exercise, as these changes improve the performance of military personnel in organizational missions of cold and mountainous climates.