Respiratory Intervention Techniques Increase Selection Rate for Special Forces

Summary

• Special Forces Selection Rates have declined over recent years, partly due to reduced fitness rates of applications

• Postural changes incurred prior to the recruitment may contribute to compromised respiratory function, resulting in fatigue, overexertion, and Selection Course failure

• Performance breathing training and respiratory muscle strengthening can reverse impaired respiratory function and optimize cardiopulmonary fitness.

• In this study, a 6-week intervention program including performance breathing training improved fitness and performance of SF Selection Course participants.

• The intervention program including performance breathing training increased the SF Selection Course pass rate from 0% to 30%, compared to prior years.