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.