Assessing Value Of Physical Training For Tactical Athletes

Abstract

PURPOSE: Population physical fitness (PF) levels have steadily declined over the past 20 yrs. PF is the strongest predictor of injuries among military personnel, after gender. Military and paramilitary organizations continue evaluating physical training (PT) methods to improve tactical athletes’ performance on physical fitness tests (PFT). Similarly, many tactical units are evaluating PFT standards to determine their ability to predict physical readiness for service. However, evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of PT for passing a PFT and being fit for service remains equivocal. The purpose of the current study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of an objective instrument for assessing attitudes towards PT as it relates to current PF, lifelong PF, and ability to pass a military PFT. METHODS: Data were collected on 892 cadets from a senior military college who participate in military PT at least two d/wk. The sample was split into two sub samples for the purpose of establishing and confirming the psychometric properties of the scale. In sample one, coefficient alpha was calculated for six a priori subscales and a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using maximum likelihood estimation with missing variables. Modification indices were consulted following estimation. Analyses were repeated with sample two. All analyses were conducted in Stata 15.1. RESULTS: In sample one, all six subscales indicated acceptable internal consistency (alpha = .69-.89) and the initial measurement model was a good fit for the data (Chi-square=558.15 (215), RMSE=0.060, CFI=0.947, TLI=0.937). Modification indices suggested adding two additional covariances, which resulted in a superior fit to the data (Chi-square=445.63 (213), RMSE=0.050, CFI=0.964, TLI=0.957). In sample two, all subscales indicated acceptable internal consistency (alpha = .69-.86) and the final measurement model was a good fit for the data (Chi-square= 395.83 (213), RMSE=0.044, CFI=0.968, TLI=0.962). CONCLUSIONS: The current data provide support for the factorial validity and internal consistency of the instrument. Thus, this instrument can be employed as an objective assessment of PT programs within tactical settings and can be used to conduct impact evaluations in the presence or absence of formal military and paramilitary PFT.