Physical Fitness Predictors Of A Warrior Task Simulation Test

Abstract

Modern warfare requires full-spectrum physical fitness to achieve combat effectiveness, resiliency, and survivability on the battlefield. Determining which physical fitness components are essential to performing well in a Warrior Task Simulation Test (WTST) can contribute toward a better understanding on how best to test and train military physical performance. Currently, there are limited studies that have examined the relationship between WTST performance and the physical fitness components. PURPOSE: To identify the underlying and modifiable components of physical fitness related to WTST performance. METHODS: Forty-three healthy and physically active men (age: 22 ± 3 yrs; height: 178 ± 8 cm; mass: 78 ± 11 kg) participated in one WTST session and one laboratory test session. The WTST was a continuous 9 sequential-event course comprised of running, jumping, crawling, climbing, obstacle negotiation, and material handling tasks. Physical fitness measurements in the laboratory test sessions included muscular strength and endurance, postural stability, aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, flexibility, body composition, fat-free mass, and agility. Backward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to predict time to completion of the WTST using the physical fitness measurements. RESULTS: Average time to completion of the WTST was 238.6 ± 31.1 seconds. (a) Muscular endurance, (b) aerobic capacity, (c) body composition, (d) fat-free mass, and (e) agility significantly contributed to a model that predicted time to completion of the WTST (R2 = 51.78, p < 0.001). The regression equation was: time to completion of the WTST = 250.21 – 0.02 * (a) – 1.34 * (b) + 0.81 * (c) – 0.77 * (d) + 24.12 * (e). CONCLUSION: The WTST assesses a combination of modifiable physical fitness components consisting of muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, body composition, fat-free mass, and agility, which suggest that skill-related components of physical fitness such as agility need to be measured and tracked in addition to health-related ones in order to gain better insight to Soldiers’ ability to accomplish their mission successfully. Supported by Freddie H. Fu, MD Graduate Research Award, SHRS Research Development Fund