Joseph R Pierce1, David W DeGroot2, Tyson L Grier2, Keith G Hauret2, Bradley C Nindl3, Whitfield B East4, Michael S McGurk4, Bruce H Jones2. 1. U.S. Army Public Health Center, Clinical Public Health and Epidemiology Directorate, Injury Prevention Division, USA. Electronic address: Joseph.r.pierce.ctr@mail.mil. 2. U.S. Army Public Health Center, Clinical Public Health and Epidemiology Directorate, Injury Prevention Division, USA. 3. U.S. Army Public Health Center, Office of the Scientific Advisor, USA. 4. U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, Research and Analysis Directorate, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Army body composition standards are based upon validated criteria; however, certain field-expedient methodologies (e.g., weight-for-height, body mass index [BMI]) may disqualify individuals from service who may otherwise excel on physical performance and military-relevant tasks. The purpose was to assess soldier physical performance and military-specific task/fitness performance stratified by BMI. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Male (n=275) and female (n=46) soldiers performed a wide-array of physical fitness tests and military-specific tasks, including the Army physical fitness test (APFT). Within-sex performance data were analyzed by BMI tertile stratification or by Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) weight-for-height (calculated BMI) screening standards using ANOVA/Tukey post-hoc or independent t-tests, respectively. RESULTS: BMI stratification (higher vs. lower BMI) was associated with significant improvements in muscular strength and power, but also with decrements in speed/agility in male and female soldiers. Within the military specific tasks, a higher BMI was associated with an increased APFT 2-Mile Run time; however, performance on a 1600-m Loaded March or a Warrior Task and Battle Drill obstacle course was not related to BMI in either sex. Male and Female soldiers who did not meet ABCP screening standards demonstrated a slower 2-Mile Run time; however, not meeting the ABCP BMI standard only affected a minimal number (∼6%) of soldiers' ability to pass the APFT. CONCLUSIONS: Military body composition standards require a careful balance between physical performance, health, and military readiness. Allowances should be considered where tradeoffs exist between body composition classifications and performance on physical tasks with high military relevance. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
OBJECTIVES: Army body composition standards are based upon validated criteria; however, certain field-expedient methodologies (e.g., weight-for-height, body mass index [BMI]) may disqualify individuals from service who may otherwise excel on physical performance and military-relevant tasks. The purpose was to assess soldier physical performance and military-specific task/fitness performance stratified by BMI. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Male (n=275) and female (n=46) soldiers performed a wide-array of physical fitness tests and military-specific tasks, including the Army physical fitness test (APFT). Within-sex performance data were analyzed by BMI tertile stratification or by Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) weight-for-height (calculated BMI) screening standards using ANOVA/Tukey post-hoc or independent t-tests, respectively. RESULTS: BMI stratification (higher vs. lower BMI) was associated with significant improvements in muscular strength and power, but also with decrements in speed/agility in male and female soldiers. Within the military specific tasks, a higher BMI was associated with an increased APFT 2-Mile Run time; however, performance on a 1600-m Loaded March or a Warrior Task and Battle Drill obstacle course was not related to BMI in either sex. Male and Female soldiers who did not meet ABCP screening standards demonstrated a slower 2-Mile Run time; however, not meeting the ABCP BMI standard only affected a minimal number (∼6%) of soldiers' ability to pass the APFT. CONCLUSIONS: Military body composition standards require a careful balance between physical performance, health, and military readiness. Allowances should be considered where tradeoffs exist between body composition classifications and performance on physical tasks with high military relevance. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Entities:
Keywords:
Army physical fitness test; Body composition; Exercise physiology; Military personnel; Physical fitness; Physical readiness
Authors: Luis Alberto Gobbo; Raquel David Langer; Elisabetta Marini; Roberto Buffa; Juliano Henrique Borges; Mauro A Pascoa; Vagner X Cirolini; Gil Guerra-Júnior; Ezequiel Moreira Gonçalves Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-02-02 Impact factor: 3.390