THE IMPORTANCE OF NEUROMOTOR TRAINING IN MILITARY PENTATHLON. AN ANALYSIS APPLIED TO THE PREPARATION OF THE CISM OBSTACLE COURSE

Abstract

Introduction: neuromotor training, integrating balance, coordination, agility, and proprioceptive exercises alongside functional training, plays a key role in optimizing performance and preventing injuries in events that involve overcoming fixed obstacles. In military pentathlon, the CISM obstacle course requires an optimal combination of basic motor skills and their effective integration throughout the 20 obstacles. Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the impact of neuromotor training on obstacle run preparation, focusing on technical performance, movement efficiency, and injury risk reduction. Materials and methods: a 12-week neuromotor training program was implemented during the pre-competition period (march–may) for nationally ranked military athletes. The program included targeted exercises to enhance coordination, balance, agility, and motor control. Performance was assessed through running times, while technical execution and injury incidence were monitored via video and photographic analysis. Equipment used included agility ladders, fit balls, balance boards, small trampolines, plyometric boxes, elastic bands, TRX systems, unstable surfaces (rubber, sand, synthetic turf), smartwatches, and video recording tools. Results: preliminary analysis showed significant improvements in technical execution, movement economy, and completion times, alongside a reduction in injury frequency among participants. Discussion: findings indicate that neuromotor training enhances motor control and rapid adaptability in the complex demands of the military obstacle run. Additionally, injury prevention benefits underscore its relevance in military sports preparation. Conclusions: neuromotor training is a valuable complementary method in military pentathlon preparation, improving both performance and physical resilience. Further research with larger samples and varied competitive conditions is needed to validate these results.