Supplementary file 1_Effects of modern physical training on physical performance and training-related injuries in the Chinese people’s armed police force: a systematic review and meta-analysis.docx

Continuous outcomes were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) and dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RR), both with 95% confidence intervals, using Hartung-Knapp random-effects models. Prespecified subgroup analyses were performed by population (recruits vs. veterans/cadets) and intervention duration (<12 vs. ≥12 weeks). Evidence quality was assessed using GRADE.</p>Results<p>After screening 1,739 records, 20 studies (n = 4,158 PAP personnel) were included in the meta-analysis.

Modern physical training significantly outperformed conventional training in pull-ups (19 studies, SMD = 0.68 [0.50, 0.85], I² = 76.5%), 3000m run (15 studies, SMD = −0.87 [−1.40, −0.33]; however, after excluding the extreme outlier Yan (2024), the effect remained significant (SMD = −0.52, 95% CI [−0.68, −0.36]) with substantially reduced heterogeneity I² =50.6%), 100m sprint (10 studies, SMD = −0.42 [−0.65, −0.19]), 30m×2 zigzag run (6 studies, SMD = −0.82 [−1.16, −0.48]), 2-min sit-ups (9 studies, SMD = 0.57 [0.24, 0.89]), parallel bar dips (7 studies, SMD = 0.58 [0.16, 0.99], I² = 74.9%), FMS total score (4 studies, SMD = 1.92 [0.68, 3.17]) and BMI (5 studies, SMD = 0.19 [0.03, 0.36], I² = 0%).

Training-related injury rate (4 studies, RR = 0.63 [0.46, 0.87]) was reduced by 37%. FMS showed the largest effect in <12-week FMS-specific training (SMD = 2.45), significantly higher than the ≥12-week comprehensive programs (SMD = 0.90, subgroup difference p < 0.001).</p>Conclusion<p>Modern physical training (CPT and PT) significantly enhances physical performance across multiple dimensions—including upper body strength, upper body pushing power, core endurance, aerobic capacity, speed, agility and functional movement—and favorably modifies body composition, while reducing the risk of training-related injuries by approximately 37% (RR = 0.63).

FMS screening and targeted corrective training is recommended during recruit training (<12 weeks), while periodized comprehensive physical training programs are recommended for ongoing training (≥12 weeks). These findings provide evidence-based guidance for optimizing training protocols and enhancing combat readiness in PAP units.</p>Systematic review registration<p>crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/, identifier CRD420261448648.</p>