Formulating a training strategy for tactical swimmers: an integrated approach using the modified Delphi method and an intuitionistic fuzzy three-dimensional eight-octant distribution

Abstract Tactical swimming enhances the operational effectiveness of military personnel in diverse maritime missions. Compared with conventional swimming, tactical swimming places greater demands on endurance, speed, and load-bearing capacity. Inadequate warm-ups or improper daily training may result in sports injuries, thereby compromising combat readiness. This study employed the modified Delphi method to develop stretching exercise evaluation indices specifically tailored to tactical swimming. Eighteen cadets from a Taiwan military academy were recruited as participants and provided intuitionistic fuzzy evaluations of stretching exercises, along with assessments of their swimming abilities. A three-dimensional eight-octant distribution was subsequently applied to formulate tactical swimming training strategies. The results identified 11 key stretching indices and revealed that two participants (M2 and M4) demonstrated the highest performance. This study identified inter-individual differences and provided recommendations for improving group performance and guiding future tactical swimming training.