Sex and age differences in physical performance: A comparison of Army basic training and operational populations

United States Marine Corps Recruit Training Demands Associated With Performance Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

United States Marine Corps' (USMC) recruit training is a 13-week program designed to maximize physical and mental performance adaptations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the training demands and characteristics that are associated with performance outcomes during USMC recruit training.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 196 recruits (M = 97 and W = 99) were monitored and tested throughout training. Laboratory-based performance testing occurred at the start of weeks 2 and 11 and consisted of body mass assessments, countermovement vertical jump, and isometric mid-thigh pull. Military-specific performance testing occurred twice within the first 8 weeks of training and included the physical fitness test (PFT) and combat fitness test (CFT) implemented by the USMC. Resilience data were collected at week 2 using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Workload, sleep, and stress responses were monitored at weeks 2, 7, and 11. Recruits were provided with a wearable tracking device which utilized heart rate and accelerometry-based technology to determine energy expenditure (EE), distances (DIS), and sleep metrics. Data were averaged over a 3-day period. Salivary cortisol testing occurred at the start of each monitoring week. Change scores were calculated for performance tests, and body mass was calculated from data obtained at week 2 to week 11. Area under the curve was calculated for the workload, sleep metrics, and cortisol responses using the trapezoidal method. Pearson product-moment correlations (r) were used to assess the relationships between training demands and performance. An α level of 0.05 was used to establish significance.

RESULTS

A moderate positive correlation was found between changes in body mass and peak power (P < .001; r = 0.43). Weak positive correlations were found between changes in body mass and peak force (P = .002; r = 0.28), as well as body mass and resilience (P = .03; r = 0.19). A moderate negative correlation was observed between changes in body mass and PFT (P < .001; r = -0.49). A weak negative correlation was found between changes in body mass and EE (P = .003; r = -0.24). A weak negative correlation was found between changes in peak power and EE (P = .001; r = -0.29). A weak positive correlation was found between changes in peak power and changes in CFT (P = .05; r = 0.19) A weak negative correlation was found between changes in sleep continuity and CFT (P = .02; r = -0.20). A weak negative correlation was found between cortisol and changes in PFT (P = .05; r = -0.20). A weak negative correlation was found between cortisol and both EE (P = .001; r = -0.27) and DIS (P = .045; r = -0.16). A weak negative correlation was found between EE and sleep continuity (P < .001; r = -0.34). Weak negative correlations were found between sleep duration and both DIS (P = .01; r = -0.18) and steps (P = .003; r = -0.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in body mass throughout training were positively associated with strength and power changes, but negatively related to PFT scores. Changes in peak power related to improvements in CFT scores; however, higher workloads (i.e., EE) were negatively associated with peak power. The identification of the USMC physical and physiological training demands that are associated with performance outcomes may be a valuable resource to guide conditioning efforts to boost military readiness.

A Sex Comparison of the Physical and Physiological Demands of United States Marine Corps Recruit Training

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) recruit training is a 13-week preparatory period for military service men and women. Differences in absolute performance capabilities between sexes may impact physical and physiological responses to the demands of recruit training. The purpose of this study was to monitor U.S. Marine Corps recruits throughout recruit training to comparatively assess workload, sleep, stress, and performance responses in men and women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 281 recruits (men = 182 and women = 99; age = 19 ± 2 years) were monitored and tested. Workload, sleep, and stress assessments occurred at week 2, week 7/8, and week 11 of training. Workload (energy expenditure per kg body mass [EEREL], distance [DIS], steps) and sleep (continuity and duration) were tracked over 72-hour periods using wearable accelerometry and heart rate technology. Stress responses were determined through salivary cortisol analyses. Performance testing, consisting of countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) performance relative to body mass, occurred at weeks 2 and 11. Linear mixed models were used to test for sex, time, and sex-by-time interactions (α < .05).

RESULTS

On average, recruits covered 13.0 ± 2.7 km/day, expended 3,762 ± 765 calories/day, and slept 6.2 ± 1.1 hours/night. Sex-by-time interactions were found for DIS, steps, sleep duration, cortisol, and CMJREL performance (P < .05). Planned contrasts revealed that men covered more DIS than women at week 7/8 (P < .001). Women experienced greater step counts compared to men at week 11 (P = .004). Women experienced no significant change in sleep duration (P > .05), whereas men increased sleep duration from week 2 to week 7/8 (P = .03). Women experienced greater sleep duration at week 2 (P = .03) and week 11 (P = .02) compared to men. Women exhibited higher cortisol levels than men at week 2 (P < .001) and week 11 (P < .001). Women experienced declines in cortisol at week 7 compared to week 2 (P < .001). Men experienced no changes in cortisol response at any timepoint (P > .05). Both sexes experienced declines in CMJREL from week 2 to week 11 (P > .001). Sex main effects were observed for EEREL, DIS, CMJREL, and IMTPREL (P < .05) with men experiencing greater overall workloads and producing greater strength and power metrics. Sex main effects were also found for sleep continuity and cortisol (P < .05), for which men experienced lower values compared to women. Time main effects were observed for EEREL, DIS, steps, cortisol, CMJREL, and IMTPREL (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study not only highlights the known sex differences between men and women but also sheds light on the different physical and physiological responses of each sex to military training. Interestingly, the greatest physical demands incurred earlier in the training cycle. Despite declining workloads, the stress response was maintained throughout the training, which may have implications for adaptation and performance. In addition, average sleep duration fell notably below recommendations for optimizing health and recovery. Effectively monitoring the demands and performance outcomes during recruit training is essential for determining individual fitness capabilities, as well as establishing the effectiveness of a training program. Individual performance assessments and adequately periodized workloads may help to optimize recruit training for both men and women.

Beyond change scores: Employing an improved statistical approach to analyze the impact of entry fitness on physical performance during British Army basic training in men and women

The aim was to use a robust statistical approach to examine whether physical fitness at entry influences performance changes between men and women undertaking British Army basic training (BT). Performance of 2 km run, seated medicine ball throw (MBT) and isometric mid-thigh pull (MTP) were assessed at entry and completion of Standard Entry (SE), Junior Entry-Short (JE-Short), and Junior Entry-Long (JE-Long) training for 2350 (272 women) recruits. Performance change was analyzed with entry performance as a covariate (ANCOVA), with an additional interaction term allowing different slopes for courses and genders (p < 0.05). Overall, BT courses saw average improvements in 2 km run performance (SE: -6.8% [-0.62 min], JE-Short: -4.6% [-0.43 min], JE-Long: -7.7% [-0.70 min]; all p < 0.001) and MBT (1.0-8.8% [0.04-0.34 m]; all p < 0.05) and MTP (4.5-26.9% [6.5-28.8 kg]; all p < 0.001). Regression models indicate an expected form of "regression to the mean" whereby test performance change was negatively associated with entry fitness in each course (those with low baseline fitness exhibit larger training improvements; all interaction effects: p < 0.001,η p 2 $$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$  > 0.006), particularly for women. However, when matched for entry fitness, men displayed considerable improvements in all tests, relative to women. Training courses were effective in developing recruit physical fitness, whereby the level of improvement is, in large part, dependent on entry fitness. Factors including age, physical maturity, course length, and physical training, could also contribute to the variability in training response between genders and should be considered when analyzing and/or developing physical fitness in these cohorts for future success of military job-task performance.

Anthropometrics Impact Army Combat Fitness Test Performance in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets

INTRODUCTION

Fitness is a vital component in military success. The Army is in the process of implementing a new assessment for soldier fitness, the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Success on the assessment is a major factor in job assignments and promotional opportunities. This generates questions related to modifiable (i.e., fitness and body composition) and non-modifiable (i.e., limb length and testing equipment) factors impacting performance. Currently, anthropometrics differences in ACFT performance have not been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of anthropometrics on ACFT performance in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anthropometric measures and ACFT scores were collected from Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets (n = 105, age: 20.4 ± 2.4 years, body mass index: 25.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2, and M/F = 84/21). All ACFT events were evaluated by certified graders. Measurement locations were based on established anthropometric assessment standards and previous research (hand, lower arm, upper arm, upper leg, lower leg, and torso lengths). The study was approved by the Auburn University Institutional Review Board (protocol code #21-410).

RESULTS

There were weak correlations between hand length and three-repetition maximum deadlift [0.393; P ≤ .001], standing power throw [0.399; P ≤ .001], sprint-drag-carry [-0.315; P = .002], and ACFT score [0.212; P = .035]. The lower leg had weak correlations with standing power throw [0.249; P = .013], sprint-drag-carry [-0.215; P = .033], and ACFT score [0.213; P = .034]. Hand and lower leg length impacted individual event performances when comparing shortest and longest limb lengths [all P values <.05].

CONCLUSIONS

Hand and lower leg length significantly impact ACFT performance. These results present practical information to individuals responsible for developing protocols and scoring for the ACFT. Reassessment of events and the equipment utilized are warranted to assure that event performance is not hindered by a non-modifiable factor that is not representative of fitness or occupational demands. Future work should investigate how different trap-bar and kettlebell handle sizes, as well as medicine ball sizes, impact performance on the ACFT.

Influence of Body Composition, Load-Velocity Profiles, and Sex-Related Differences on Army Combat Fitness Test Performance

ABSTRACT

Boffey, D, DiPrima, JA, Kendall, KL, Hill, EC, Stout, JR, and Fukuda, DH. Influence of body composition, load-velocity profiles, and sex-related differences on army combat fitness test performance. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2467-2476, 2023-The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) became the U.S. Army's mandatory physical fitness test in April of 2022. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between ACFT performance and both body composition and velocity profiles and to determine sex differences for these variables. Data were collected at 2 timepoints 4 months apart, from male (n = 55) and female (n = 17) Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. Body composition was assessed with a bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy device, and cadets completed a hex bar deadlift load-velocity profile (LVP) and ACFT on separate days. Stepwise multiple regressions were used to explain the amount of variance in ACFT total score and individual event performance. Significance for statistical tests was defined as an alpha level of p ≤ 0.05. Muscle mass and body fat percentage accounted for 49% of shared variance of total ACFT score, and deadlift maximal power and maximal velocity accounted for 67% of shared variance of total ACFT score. The 3 repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, and sprint-drag-carry events favored cadets with more muscle mass, whereas the leg tuck was influenced by the body fat percentage and the 2-mile run was affected by fat mass. Sex had greater predictive capability for the 2-mile run than body composition. Men outperformed women on all individual events, with the greatest differences on standing power throw and sprint-drag-carry. It is recommended that Army ROTC cadets taking the ACFT maximize lower-body power production and increase muscle mass.

Injuries and Referral Patterns During Basic Combat Training: An Examination of Data From the Certified Athletic Trainer-Forward Program

INTRODUCTION

Injuries sustained during basic combat training (BCT) result in large economic costs to the U.S. Army. The inclusion of athletic trainers (ATs) in other military branches has reduced Troop Medical Clinic (TMC) referrals. However, the inclusion of ATs during BCT has yet to be studied. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency and nature of sick call visits during BCT and determine how the presence of an AT affects referrals to the TMC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Fort Jackson Army Training Center for one calendar year. Soldiers in BCT, aged 18-42, who reported to sick call were included. Independent variables collected included: Soldier demographics (sex and age), visit reason, and provider impression. Training battalions were placed in three conditions: control (CON), full-time medic (FTM), and part-time athletic trainer (PAT). The dependent variable was disposition (referred or returned to duty [RTD]). Frequencies and proportions were calculated. Logistic regression compared conditions while considering the other independent variables. Return on investment was calculated.

RESULTS

Fourteen thousand three hundred and four visits were documented. Most soldiers were female (n = 7,650; 53.5%) and under 20 years old (n = 5,328; 37.2%). Visits were most commonly due to physical injury (n = 7,926; 55.4%), injuries affecting the knee (n = 2,264; 15.8%) and chronic/overuse conditions (n = 2,031; 14.2%). By condition, the FTM and PAT conditions resulted in 1.303 (95%CI: 1.187, 1.430; P < .001) and 1.219 (95%CI: 1.103, 1.348; P < .001), or 30.3% and 21.9% higher, odds of being RTD compared to the CON condition, respectively. Return on investment was $23,363,596 overall and $2,423,306 for musculoskeletal-related cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Injuries were common in BCT, particularly in females. Soldiers in both the PAT and FTM conditions were more likely to be RTD compared to those in the CON condition. Athletic trainers (ATs) are effective at reducing potentially unnecessary referrals, demonstrating their value as healthcare providers in the BCT environment. Understanding variables associated with recruit disposition may aid medics and ATs in the development of triage protocols and further reduction of potentially unnecessary soldier referrals. The Certified Athletic Trainer-Forward Program resulted in significant return on investment, further supporting the inclusion of ATs in BCT.

Factors Influencing the Executive Functions of Male and Female Cadets

Executive functions (EFs) are related to human abilities that allow individuals to achieve planned goals, contribute to creativity and the analysis of new ideas, and allow for adaptation to new situations in daily life. Thorough analyses of the factors affecting EFs can aid in the development of appropriate training programs for various social and professional groups, including the military. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting the EFs of cadets (18 women and 108 men) studying at a military academy in Poland after the first and second terms of military training, and to investigate gender differences in the level of EFs, shooting performance (SP), and components of physical fitness (PF). The Neuropsychological Color Trails Test (CTT-2) was used to determine some of the EFs of the test subjects. Meanwhile, the level of SP was represented by the score achieved during marksmanship training implemented during military training. Assessment of the subjects' PF was guided by the principles of the Health-Related Fitness assessment concept, i.e., health-related fitness. Differences between men and women in specific variables were calculated using the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples, whilst the relationship between variables was analyzed using the best subset regression method. The results revealed that cadets' EFs were influenced by their SP and their level of strength. However, there were no significant differences between male and female cadets in the levels of EFs or SP.

Demographic, psychosocial, and physical fitness predictors of successful graduation from U.S. Army Ranger School

U.S. Army Ranger School is an arduous 64-day leadership training course designed to simulate the stressors of combat. Although physical fitness has been shown to be an important predictor of successful graduation for Ranger School, psychosocial characteristics like self-efficacy and grit have not been examined. The purpose of this study is to identify personal, psychosocial, and fitness characteristics associated with successful completion of Ranger School. This study was a prospective cohort examining the association of baseline characteristics of Ranger School candidates with a primary outcome of graduation success. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the contribution of demographics, psychosocial, fitness and training characteristics to graduation success. Out of 958 eligible Ranger Candidates, this study obtained graduation status for 670 students, 270 (40%) of which graduated. Soldiers who graduated were younger, more likely to come from units with a higher proportion of previous Ranger School graduates, had higher self-efficacy and faster 2-mile run times. The results from this study suggest that Ranger students should arrive in optimal physical conditioning. Furthermore, training programs that optimize student self-efficacy and units with a high proportion of successful Ranger graduates may confer advantage for this challenging leadership course.

Profiling the New Zealand Police Trainee Physical Competency Test

Police officers require a certain amount of occupational fitness to successfully perform physically demanding tasks. As such, trainees are required to undergo training to develop their ability to perform such tasks. The physical competency test (PCT) is a 400 m obstacle course consisting of key police occupational physical tasks used to evaluate a trainee's ability to complete tasks that a police officer is expected to perform whilst on duty. The purpose of this study was to profile the PCT in a police recruit population to provide an indication of the current level of occupational fitness within a policing population to inform conditioning requirements. Retrospective data for 813 male (age = 27.41 ± 5.92 years, body mass = 83.98 ± 14.03 kg, height = 179.23 ± 10.50 cm, BMI = 25.85 ± 3.92 kg/m2) and 372 female (mean age = 27.01 ± 6.45 years, mean weight = 67.14 ± 8.60 kg, mean height = 168.14 ± 6.46 cm and mean BMI = 23.61 ± 2.52 kg/m2) police trainees from the New Zealand Police Constabulary Recruitment database were provided for analysis. Anthropometric data, including height, body mass, and BMI were provided, in addition to trainee PCT time. Data were split by sex and age. Significant differences were observed between sexes for all anthropometric measures and PCT time (p < 0.001). Generally, in both the male and female groups, younger recruits tended to perform better than the older recruits with results between the “under 20” and the 20–24-year-old-age groups performing significantly better than the 35–39-year-old-age group in both sexes, and the 25–29-year-old-age group performing significantly better than the 35–39-year-old-age group in female officers. The data provided in this study provides a profile for performance of male and female recruits of various ages on the PCT in preparation for entry, or re-entry following injury, into the NZ Police. However, given that the PCT is considered a measure of occupational task performance, consideration should be given to the use of sex and age neutral requirements as the occupational tasks performed by police officers exhibit the same traits regardless of sex or age. Older trainees may therefore need conditioning to improve PCT times and subsequently occupational performance.

Are We Able to Determine Differences in Outcomes Between Male and Female Servicemembers Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy? A Systematic Review

Background:

Female servicemembers sustain higher rates of lower extremity injuries as compared with their male counterparts. This can include intra-articular pathology in the hip. Female patients are considered to have worse outcomes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement and for hip labral repair.

Purpose:

To (1) compare published rates of hip arthroscopy between male and female military servicemembers and (2) determine if there are any sex-based differences in outcomes after hip arthroscopy in the military.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We reviewed the literature published from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2020, to identify studies in which hip arthroscopy was performed in military personnel. Clinical trials and cohort studies were included. The proportion of women within each cohort was identified, and results of any between-sex analyses were reported.

Results:

Identified were 11 studies that met established criteria. Studies included 2481 patients, 970 (39.1%) of whom were women. Surgery occurred between January 1998 and March 2018. Despite women accounting for approximately 15% of the active-duty military force, they represented 39.1% (range, 25.7%-57.6%) of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. In most cases, there were no differences in self-reported outcomes (pain, disability, and physical function), return to duty, or medical disability status based on sex.

Conclusion:

Women account for approximately 15% of the military, but they made up 40% of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. Outcomes were not different between the sexes; however, definitive conclusions were limited by the heterogeneity of outcomes, missing data, lack of sex-specific subgroup analyses, and zero studies with sex differences as the primary outcome. A proper understanding of sex-specific outcomes after hip arthroscopy will require a paradigm shift in the design and reporting of trials in the military health system.

Influence of Physical Fitness and Attention Level on Academic Achievements of Female and Male Military Academy Cadets in Poland

A professional soldier should be characterized not only by high physical fitness but also by high intellectual and cognitive skills. Therefore, it is important to focus on the future commanding cadre-cadets that are educated in military academies. The aim of the study was to look for correlations between the level of physical fitness and attention and academic achievements (AA) in different subjects among cadets studying at military academies. The research group consisted of students of a military academy in Poland, i.e., 228 cadets, including 31 women and 197 men. Correlations between explained and explanatory variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation. Correlations between AA and somatic parameters and motor components were analysed using optimal regression, using the best subset method. A statistical difference was found between men and women in terms of the level of somatic and motor development; men also performed significantly better in practical military subjects. In the female group, dominant hand strength is a significant determinant of AA in civilian and theoretical military subjects. The findings suggest the need for specialized training aimed at bridging the major differences in physical fitness between men and women by placing greater emphasis on muscle strength development.

Comparison of Military Recruit and Incumbent Physical Characteristics and Performance: Potential Implications for Through-Career Individual Readiness and Occupational Performance

Drain, JR, Debenedictis, T, Bulmer, S, and Michael, S. comparison of military recruit and incumbent physical characteristics and performance: Potential implications for through-career individual readiness and occupational performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-After basic military training, physical training practices among incumbent personnel differ substantially, potentially precipitating varied physical capacity and operational readiness. The purpose of this retrospective investigation was to compare physical characteristics and physical performance between recruits and incumbent personnel. Data were collected for 222 army recruits (REC: 197 men/25 women) nearing completion of basic training and 280 incumbent army personnel from combat arms (CA: 142 men) and noncombat arms trades (NCA: 113 men/25 women). Height, mass, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded together with performance measures including predicted V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and 1 repetition maximum box lift. Compared with REC, male incumbents were older (21.8 ± 0.6 vs. 27.6 ± 1.2 years; mean ± 95% confidence interval), had greater body mass (77.6 ± 1.3 vs. 82.6 ± 1.5 kg) and BMI (24.2 ± 0.3 vs. 25.8 ± 0.5 kg·m), similar relative V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and lower box lift (49.7 ± 1.4 vs. 47.2 ± 2.4 kg). Male CA demonstrated greatest physical performance while male NCA demonstrated the highest BMI and poorest physical performance. Compared with REC, female incumbents were older (22.8 ± 1.6 vs. 31.9 ± 4.4 years), had similar body mass, higher BMI (24.1 ± 0.7 vs. 26.1 ± 2.4 kg·m), as well as lower V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (42.0 ± 1.3 vs. 37.9 ± 2.1 ml·kg··min) and box lift (27.8 ± 2.1 vs. 23.3 ± 2.4 kg). More than 97% of men and approximately 75% of women were able to achieve the box lift and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max baseline standards. The older age category (26 + vs. 18-25 years) typically demonstrated higher BMI and lower physical performance. Through-career maintenance of physical capacity is important for military personnel to support individual readiness and occupational performance, preserve health, and mitigate musculoskeletal injury risk.

Retrospective Cohort Analysis of the Army Physical Fitness Test and the Occupational Physical Assessment Test in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets: A Brief Report

INTRODUCTION

Because of the physical fitness requirements of Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) within the US Army, fitness testing batteries have been developed. The Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) has been used for determining occupation assignment and is meant to assess upper and lower body muscular power, muscular strength, and aerobic capacity. The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is a general fitness assessment meant to test upper and lower body muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. Comparisons of the two testing batteries as well as evaluation of potential sex differences are missing from current literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the sex differences in APFT and OPAT performances, as well as the relationship between the APFT and OPAT individual test events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis, approved by the university's institutional review board, was conducted on a sample of 90 Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets (men, n = 72, age = 19.7 ± 2.2 years, height = 1.79 ± 0.21 m, mass = 75.18 ± 12.38 kg; women, n = 18, age = 19.8 ± 2.2 years, height = 1.63 ± 0.09 m, mass = 65.56 ± 9.03 kg) from the Fall 2018 semester. The cadets completed the APFT (maximal push-ups, maximal sit-ups, 2-mile run) and OPAT (standing long jump, seated power throw, a deadlift test, and interval aerobic run) protocols per army standards. Analysis of variance assessed sex differences and correlation coefficients were computed to examine the strength of relationships between individual test events (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

All APFT and OPAT event performances were lower in women compared to men (p < 0.05), except the sit-up test (p = 0.382). Seated power throw (Z = 2.285; p = 0.011), 2-mile run (Z = 1.97; p = 0.024), and strength deadlift (Z = 1.783; p = 0.037) were more highly correlated to push-up than aerobic interval run. The standing long jump (Z = 1.741; p = 0.041), power throw (Z = 3.168; p = 0.001), strength deadlift (Z = 2.989; p = 0.001), and shuttle run (Z = 2.933 p = 0.002) were less correlated with the sit-up than 2-mile run. The interval aerobic run was more related to the 2-mile run than the power throw (Z = 1.809, p = 0.035). Compared to the aerobic interval run, the standing long jump (Z = 2.969, p = 0.001) and strength deadlift (Z = 4.237, p < 0.001) were more related to the seated power throw.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex differences and varied relationships among individual events on two common military fitness test batteries were observed. Lower performances on APFT and OPAT by women may suggest the need to evaluate potential training methods to assist women in reaching their desired MOS. Further, individual OPAT events displayed weaker relationships compared with the relationships among individual APFT event, suggesting a greater degree of redundancy among the events on the APFT. Therefore, the combination of APFT and OPAT may offer a greater opportunity to measure physical fitness capabilities as related to various military job performance tasks.

Relationship of Anthropometric Measures on Female Trainees' and Active Duty Soldiers' Performance of Common Soldiering Tasks

INTRODUCTION

This study compared the relationship between height (HT), body mass (BM), and body mass index (BMI) of female trainees and active duty female soldiers and their performance on simulated common soldiering tasks (CSTs) with high physical demands.

METHODS

Female trainees (n = 133) and soldiers (n = 229) completed the following CSTs: sandbag carry, move under fire, casualty drag, casualty evacuation, and road march. Quartiles were created among HT, BM, and BMI by which task performance was compared using ANOVAs with Tukey post hoc comparisons.

RESULTS

For both trainees and soldiers, HT, BM, and BMI were positively associated with improved road march, casualty drag, casualty evacuation, and sandbag carry performance. On the move under fire task, only soldier HT was positively associated with improved performance.

CONCLUSION

Female trainees and soldiers who are taller and heavier with a higher BMI may demonstrate better performance on CSTs required of all soldiers. In addition to task-specific training, performance of CSTs may be enhanced in tasks requiring strength and power by recruiting and retaining taller and heavier females with a higher BMIs. Allowances should be considered for soldiers and trainees who can successfully perform soldiering tasks with high physical demands despite less desirable anthropometric measurements.