Abstract
ABSTRACT This study determined anthropometric and body composition predictors of performance during a simulated direct-fire engagement. Healthy subjects (N = 33, age =25.7 ± 7.0yr) underwent anthropometric and body composition assessments before completing a simulated direct-fire engagement – consisting of marksmanship with cognitive workload assessment and a fire-and-move drill (16x6-m sprints) while wearing combat load. Susceptibility to enemy fire was modeled on sprint duration. Partial correlations and multiple linear regressions established relationships between predictors and performance outcomes, controlling for age and sex. Significance was p ≤ 0.05. Higher percent body fat, fat mass, fight load index predicted greater susceptibility to enemy fire (r = 0.40 to 0.42) and lower cognitive performance (r=-0.45 to -0.49). Higher BMI predicted lower cognitive performance (r=-0.49). Shorter stature/hand length predicted higher marksmanship accuracy (r=-0.40), while higher fat-free mass/fat-free mass index predicted slower reaction times (r = 0.36 to 0.41). These data suggest anthropometric and body composition measures modulate combat effectiveness and reinforce body composition standards in military organizations.
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