Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets Research Articles

Sex-related Differences in Functional Movement Screen Scores Among Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets.

The primary aim of Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs is to prepare cadets for future military service. To successfully complete one of these programs and perform active duty responsibilities, cadets must be able to complete a variety of physical tasks. Therefore, performing movement screening may be useful for identifying potential movement disparities that could lead to injury. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether sex-related differences in movement patterns exist on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). The FMS is a tool that uses seven functional movements to assess movement pattern deficits and asymmetries; deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge (ILL), shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise (ASLR), trunk stability pushup (TSPU), and rotary stability. Archived data for 93 (male, n = 69; female n = 24) ROTC cadets were provided to the primary investigators for analysis. Independent t-tests (P < .05) were conducted to analyze differences in assessments between sexes. Significant differences between sexes were observed on the ILL (P = .014), ASLR (P < .001), and TSPU (P < .001). Females scored higher on both the ILL (2.13 ± 0.54) and ASLR (2.04 ± 0.69) compared with males (1.81 ± 0.52 and 1.48 ± 0.58). Males scored significantly higher (P ≤ .001) on the TSPU (2.57 ± .581) compared with females (2.00 ± .417). No significant differences were observed in the deep squat (P = .865), hurdle step (P = .829), shoulder mobility (P = .342), and rotary stability (P = .230) assessments. Sex differences in the ILL, ASLR, and TSPU may be because of greater mobility in the ankle and hamstrings and reduced upper-body muscle mass for females compared with males. Males performed better than females on the TSPU test. In conclusion, sex-related differences in FMS performance do exist within the ROTC population. Additionally, these differences should be taken into consideration when designing specific exercise programs for ROTC cadets.

Sex Differences in Body Composition and Fitness Scores in Military Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets.

The cadets in the U.S. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) consist of students from varied backgrounds. As part of collegiate ROTC programs, cadets must pass fitness tests and adhere to body composition standards in addition to completing their education. The previous fitness test of record was the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), but it was recently changed to the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) to better test soldiers for combat capabilities. As part of the standardized scoring, the ACFT is no longer separated by sex or age as in the APFT, but rather by job duty. The purpose of this study was to characterize the modern ROTC cadet based on body composition measures and APFT and ACFT scores and then determine how those factors are related. We calculated body mass index (BMI), fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and fat mass index (FMI) (n = 68, 42 males, 26 females). We used Pearson correlations to compare the scores to body composition assessments and Student's t-tests to determine if there were differences between sexes. We hypothesized that those with higher FFM and FFMI will have a higher passing rate on the ACFT and that males would perform better on the ACFT because of having more FFM. We found that cadets, regardless of sex, were borderline overweight using BMI standards and that BMI did not correlate with any fitness tests. When comparing sexes, both males and females had high passing rates on the APFT, but females struggled to pass the ACFT mostly because of the leg tuck. We also found that ACFT scores were strongly correlated with FFM and FFMI, yet no body composition measures were correlated with APFT scores. It is clear from our data that structured training programs and nutrition guidance are needed with an emphasis on changing body composition to increase lean mass and strength to increase the performance of ROTC cadets on the ACFT.

Prevalence of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among ROTC Cadets.

Injury risk is multifactorial including non-modifiable and modifiable factors such as nutrition and mental health. The purpose of this study was to estimate eating disorder risk and body image (BI) dissatisfaction among Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. A total of 102 (male: n = 75, female: n = 27; age: 20 ± 2 years) ROTC cadets self-reported height, current and ideal weight, and completed the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and self-perceived BI current and perceived sex-specific figural stimuli. The overall eating disorder risk for ROTC cadets was 32.4%. No significant differences were found when comparing sex, ethnicity, or military branch. Overall risk of pathogenic behaviors included 11.8% who reported binge eating; 8.8% who used laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills; 8.8% who exercised for >60 min to control their weight; and 8.8% who lost 9.1 kg or more within the last 6 months. We identified significant interactions (p ≤ 0.01) between sex of the solider, overall perceptions of male and female soldiers, and BI self-perceptions. The ROTC cadets in this study displayed eating disorder risk and BI dissatisfaction, which is concerning for tactical readiness, long-term behavioral health issues, and injury from pathogenic behaviors. Education and quality healthcare are necessary to mitigate the increased risk of eating and BI dissatisfaction within this population.

Concussion history is associated with increased lower-extremity injury incidence in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets

IntroductionConcussions have been associated with an increased risk of lower-extremity musculoskeletal injury (LE-MSI) in athletes and US Army soldiers, creating an added economic, physical and social burden. Yet, there is...

Physical Performance Among Air Force ROTC Cadets Following Non-Mandatory Training.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the standard collegiate academic calendar (two semesters), U.S. Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) cadets have an approximate 3-mo break over the summer in which physical training (PT) is neither regulated nor required. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if significant changes in cadet physical fitness assessment (PFA) scores occur after a 3-mo summer break when training is not mandatory.METHODS: Male (N 28) and female (N 10) cadets performed the PFA in April and August. Cadets were split into two groups depending on if they participated in field training over the summer [FT; N 12 (men 6, women 6)] or did not [NFT; N 26 (men 22, women 4)] to determine if engaging in field training had any effect on performance.RESULTS: Cadets performed significantly better on run time (7%), pushups (7.6%), sit-ups (5.8%), and overall composite score (3.6%) before summer break compared to after. Significant time group interactions were observed for abdominal circumference and run time. Abdominal circumference paired samples t-tests indicated that while the FT group did not differ between the spring and fall time points, the NFT did. There was a main effect for time in which cadets had a significantly larger abdominal circumference in the spring compared to the fall semester.CONCLUSION: Nonmandatory physical training over summer break may significantly decrease a cadets performance on the PFA. Additionally, it appears that even the inclusion of field training for some cadets was not enough to prevent the detraining that took place over summer break.Mackey CS, Johnson Q, Dawes JJ, DeFreitas JM. Physical performance among Air Force ROTC cadets following non-mandatory training. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(10):818823.

Perceived cadre behavior, basic psychological need satisfaction, and motivation of US Army ROTC cadets: A self-determination theory perspective

ABSTRACT Since its inception in 1916 the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) has trained and commissioned more than half a million individuals and, therefore, produced more officers for the United States (US) Army than any other commissioning source (US Army, 2020a). However, there have been high attrition rates among cadets. While the reasons for people’s engagement in the military are complex and include a multitude of tangible and intangible factors, motivation has been found to be a vital contributor to individuals’ ongoing service in the armed forces. Accordingly, utilizing the framework of self-determination theory, the current research was designed to: (a) examine the validity and reliability of existing instruments in measuring cadets’ perceived cadre behavior, basic psychological need satisfaction, and motivation, (b) assess cadets’ perceived cadre behavior, basic psychological need satisfaction, and motivation, and (c) explore potential differences in cadets’ perceived cadre behavior, basic psychological need satisfaction, and motivation based on their class in the program, age, gender, and race. A total of 728 US Army ROTC cadets participated in this survey-based study. Overall, individuals reported relatively high levels of involvement from their cadre, need fulfillment, and self-determined motivation. In contrast, they perceived limited autonomy support from their cadre. In sum, further research appears warranted to gain an in-depth understanding of cadets’ motivation.

Musculoskeletal Injury in Reserve Officers' Training Corps: A Report From the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network.

Background:Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets must meet the same physical standards as active duty military servicemembers and undergo organized physical training (PT). ROTC participation, like all physical activity, can result in training-related musculoskeletal injury (MSKI), and of course, cadets could sustain MSKI outside of ROTC. However, MSKI incidence in ROTC programs is largely unknown.Purpose:To describe patient and injury demographics of MSKI in 5 universities’ Army ROTC programs.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:A retrospective chart review of electronic medical records was performed using the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN). Athletic trainers at 5 clinical practice sites within the AT-PBRN documented injury assessments via a web-based electronic medical record system. Medical records during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 academic years were used for analysis. Summary statistics were calculated for age, sex, height, body mass, military science year, training ability group, mechanism of injury, activity type associated with injury, anatomic location of injury, participation status, injury severity, and diagnosis.Results:A total of 364 unique injuries were documented. Cadets in the most advanced fitness group (Alpha; n = 148/364) and in their third year of training (n = 97/364) presented with the most injuries. Injuries most commonly occurred during PT (n = 165/364). Insidious onset (n = 146/364) and noncontact (n = 115/364) mechanisms of injury were prevalent. The most frequent anatomic location of injury was the knee (n = 71/364) followed by the ankle (n = 57/364). General sprain/strain was the most frequent International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code reported (n = 34/364).Conclusion:The knee was the most frequent location of MSKI in ROTC participants, and most MSKIs had insidious onset. Cadets with higher injury frequency were high achieving (Alpha) and in a critical time point in ROTC (military science year 3). The majority of MSKIs can be attributed to ROTC training, with PT being the most frequent activity associated with injury. Civilian health care providers, from whom ROTC cadets will most likely seek medical attention, need to be aware of ROTC physical demands as well as the characteristics of training-related injuries.

Found Out or Psyched Up: How and When Workplace Impostor Thoughts Breed Mastery at Work

Mastering one’s work responsibilities is integral for professional success. Although a consequence of job mastery is that employees may come to embrace their new identities as masters of their work, we have little understanding of how identity is involved in the development of mastery. Accordingly, I seek to account for an overlooked identity-based influence: workplace impostor thoughts. Workplace impostor thoughts capture an employee’s belief that others see her as more competent than she sees herself. Building on the core ideas underlying cognitive dissonance theory, I articulate a model that outlines how, why, when, and for whom workplace impostor thoughts encourage job mastery. I test my model in a two-time-period field study of 196 Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets and a three-time-period study of 161 employees of an investment solutions company. I find that workplace impostor thoughts are related to job mastery through the competing mechanisms of introjected motivation and a fear of being found out. Whether one responds with fear or motivation depends on one’s helping behaviors at work and one’s growth mindset. Taken together, my results suggest that having workplace impostor thoughts may be both a boon and a bane for mastery at work.

Comparison of a Sucrose-Based and Rice-Based Sports Beverage on Hydration Status During a 19.3-km Foot March in ROTC Cadets.

Heileson, JL, Peterson, M, Adair, KE, and Funderburk, LK. Comparison of a sucrose-based and rice-based sports beverage on hydration status during a 19.3-km foot march in ROTC cadets. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1105-1110, 2022-The purpose of this field study was to determine whether a rice-based sport beverage (RB) maintains hydration status compared to a sucrose-based sports beverage (SB) during a load-bearing 19.3-km foot march. Eighteen Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets (male, n = 11; female, n = 7) were randomly assigned to consume either 2.84 L of an RB (carbohydrate, 114 g; sodium, 1306 mg) or SB (carbohydrate, 170 g; sodium, 1136 mg) throughout the duration of the foot march (temperature 14.44° C, humidity 50%). The sports beverages were distributed once before the event and then every 3.2 km for a total of 6 servings (0.47 L each). Pre- and post-urine specific gravity (USG) and body mass were used to assess hydration status. A survey was used to determine subjective ratings of perceived exertion and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Sixteen cadets completed the study. Based on USG, both beverages significantly improved hydration status (USG = 1.017 ± 0.010 pre-march vs. 1.011 ± 0.008 post-march, p = 0.04); however, there was no difference between groups (change in USG = -0.009 ± 0.012 for RB group vs. -0.003 ± 0.008 for SB group, p = 0.92). Ratings for perceived exertion and GI discomfort scores were similar between groups. In conclusion, the RB was as effective as the SB at maintaining hydration status and could potentially reduce GI discomfort. Athletes and military personnel concerned with ensuring appropriate hydration during moderate-intensity endurance events can achieve similar fluid balance from a rice-based sports beverage that is lower in calories, carbohydrate, and sugar.

Using Normative Data and Unilateral Hopping Tests to Reduce Ambiguity in Return-to-Play Decisions.

After a lower extremity injury, patients often return to sport (RTS) when the injured limb's performance on unilateral hopping tests is similar to that of the uninjured limb. However, the exact target symmetry value patients must reach before the RTS is unclear. To identify variables that predict limb symmetry index (LSI) values on 6 unilateral hopping tests in healthy, physically active adults. Cross-sectional study. Research laboratory. In total, 275 healthy, physically active adults, consisting of recreational athletes (n = 198), National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes (n = 56), and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets (n = 21), volunteered to participate (143 men, 132 women, age = 20.16 ± 2.19 years, height = 172.66 ± 10.22 cm, weight = 72.64 ± 14.29 kg). Each participant completed 3 speed (6-m crossover-hop, side-hop, figure-8 hop) and 3 distance (triple-crossover-hop, lateral-hop, medial-hop) functional performance tests on both limbs. Mean performance of the dominant and nondominant limbs and LSI values. Two multiple regression models were used to find variables that might help to predict a participant's LSI for each functional performance test. The models helped to predict limb symmetry for 10 of the 12 multiple regressions. Unilateral limb performance was the best predictor of LSI values, as it was statistically significant in 11 of the 12 regression models. Sex and body mass index were significant predictor variables for the side hop and figure-8 hop, respectively. We found significant predictor variables that clinicians can use in the absence of baseline testing to determine patient-specific LSI values. Individualizing RTS decisions in this way may help to minimize subjectivity in the decision-making process and ensure a safe and timely return to competition.

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

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. 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±2.2years, height=1.79±0.21m, mass=75.18±12.38kg; women, n=18, age=19.8±2.2years, height=1.63±0.09m, mass=65.56±9.03kg) 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). 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. 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.

0188 Mood Disorders Moderate the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Leadership Development for U.S. Army Officer Candidates During ROTC Advanced Camp

Abstract Introduction U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets are college students training to be Army Officers. During a month-long capstone course (Advanced Camp), Cadets are rated on their leadership ability. Little work has been done to determine predictors of leadership ability at Advanced Camp. This study examined the effect of poor sleep and mood disorders -- two prevalent factors among college students -- on leadership ability. Methods Metrics on leadership, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression, were assessed in 159 ROTC Cadets (22.06±2.49 years; 23.90%female) at Days 1 (Baseline), 14 (Mid), and 29 (Post) of Advanced Camp. Leadership ratings were determined by ROTC Instructors over the course of Advanced Camp (1–5 score; higher score indicates poorer leadership). Predictors were the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The relationships between the predictors and leadership scores were tested using linear regression. The interaction between mood disorders and sleep quality on leadership was tested using SPSS Process (Model 1). Results Poorer sleep quality at the Post time point (reflecting the prior 2 weeks of sleep) predicted poorer leadership (B=.05,p=.03), while sleep quality from Baseline (B=.03,p=.14) and Mid (B=.01,p=.67) did not. Higher anxiety and depression scores from all time points predicted poorer leadership (p-values&amp;lt;.03). There was an interaction: higher anxiety and high depression predicted poorer leadership only in the context of poor sleep quality (not good or average sleep quality) [anxiety: R2=.04,F(1,159)=6.04,p=.02; interaction: R2=.03,F(1,155)=5.30,p=.02]. Conclusion The current study identified a relationship between sleep quality and leadership ratings in ROTC cadets. This relationship was moderated by anxiety and depression. ROTC instructors should encourage ROTC Cadets to take advantage of sleep opportunities at Advanced Camp in order to maximize leadership potential. Support Support for this study came from the Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP) of the United States Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC). Disclaimer: The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the US Army or of the US

0199 Sleep and Risk Taking Behavior in United States Army Soldiers: A Four Study Mega-Analysis

Abstract Introduction In military service members, high risk-taking behavior (RTB; e.g., looking to start a fight, reckless driving) leads to injury, judicial reprimand, and removal from military service. Consequently, reducing RTB has become a priority of the United States (U.S.) Army, and identifying modifiable antecedents of RTB has become critical. In non-military populations, in-lab studies have shown sleep restriction/deprivation leads to risky decision-making. We assessed whether sleep duration/quality and RTB are related in U.S. Army soldiers in operationally-relevant settings. Methods Sleep and RTB questionnaire data were collected in 4 unique samples: U.S. Army soldiers from an Armored Brigade Combat Team, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets, Special Operations infantrymen, and elite mountain warfare instructors. We aggregated data to conduct a mega-analysis, which is a combined analysis of original raw data. We assessed whether RTB (assessed with an in-house measure of soldier-specific RTB) was correlated with nightly sleep hours (n=2175), Insomnia Severity Index (n=1076), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (n=503). Next, using a linear regression, we assessed whether sleep duration was a predictor of RTB while controlling for relevant demographic factors (age, gender, marital status, combat experience, years of education, rank, years of service; n=1198). Results Higher RTB was correlated with lower sleep duration (r=-.23,p&amp;lt;.001), more insomnia symptoms (r=.29,p&amp;lt;.001), and poorer sleep quality (r=.20,p&amp;lt;.001). In the full model, lower age (B=-.02,p=.03) and higher combat experience (B=.05,p=.006) predicted higher RTB. Sleep duration remained a significant (and the strongest) predictor of RTB (B=-.18,p&amp;lt;.001). Conclusion Military leaders should work to build in more sleep opportunities and remove environmental sleep disruptors during training and deployment operations. Leaders should also monitor soldier behavior after military operations that require sleep loss in order to reduce RTB, and, consequently, increase the readiness of the force. Support This work was supported by the Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP). The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the US Army or of the US Department of Defense. This abstract has been approved for public release with unlimited distribution.

Gender Awareness of ROTC Cadets of Bulacan State University

The Genders continues to be an impediment for women in a military dominated training program and military leadership positions particularly in Reserve Officers training Corps (ROTC) in the higher education institutions. This study would like to determine the level of gender awareness of ROTC cadets of Bulacan State University. The study was conducted during the second semester school year 2018-2019. The respondents of the study were the ROTC Cadets of Bulacan State University. Descriptive statistics such as weighted mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage and rank were used in the study. The independent variables considered in the study were the respondent’s related profile, awareness of ROTC cadets on gender preference, and Gender sensitivity of the ROTC program. This study utilized the descriptive method of research, which refers to the description, recording analysis and interpretation of the present condition of research. This requires a more detailed analysis of the various aspects of phenomena and their interrelationship. Questionnaires and documentary analysis were employed as tools in order to have baseline information of the variables under study. The respondents of this study were identified through random sampling in the Corps of cadets of Bulacan State University ROTC unit. The group of respondents was composed of 340 Basic ROTC cadets of Bulacan State University ROTC unit.

The effects of military style ruck marching on lower extremity loading and muscular, physiological and perceived exertion in ROTC cadets

Military ruck marching with load carriage increases ground reaction forces, which are related to bone stress injuries (BSI). This study’s purpose was to examine whether a ruck march increases impact loading and to describe muscular, physiological and perceived exertion in Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. Secondary purposes examined relationships among loading changes after the ruck march and baseline characteristics. Fifteen Army ROTC cadets performed a 4-mile march. Lower extremity loading and muscular, physiological and perceived exertion were measured pre- and post-march. Results indicated significant increases in peak impact force and loading rate and decreases in ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength. Factors that might have been related to changes seen in lower extremity loading did not yield any compelling relationships to explain those changes. In conclusion, the ruck march led to increased peak impact force and loading rate, which have been shown to be related to the risk of BSI. Practitioner summary: This study examined ROTC cadets ankle strength and lower extremity loading before and after a ruck march. We found that lower extremity loading increased after the march, and ankle dorsiflexion (DF) strength decreased, despite the cadets not feeling fatigued. These changes are consistent with risk factors for bone stress injuries. Abbreviations: BSI: bone stress injury; ROTC: Reserve Officer Training Corps; PIF: peak impact force; LR: loading rate; RPE: rate of perceived exertion; APFT: Army physical fitness test; DF: dorsiflexors; PF: plantar-flexors; INV: invertors; EV: evertors; HHD: handheld dynamometer; %HRmax: percentage of maximum heart rate

Influence of Varying Doses and Duration of Dietary Nitrates from Beetroot Juice on Sprint Performance in U.S. Army ROTC Cadets: A pilot study

Objective: Assess the effects of varying levels and duration of dietary nitrate supplementationfrom beetroot juice (BR) on sprint performance in army ROTC cadets.&#x0D; Methods: Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets were randomly assigned to oneof three treatment groups: control (CON); low beetroot juice dose (BR1); and high BR juice –BR2. For 0, 6 and 15 days nitrate consumption from BR groups were as follows: CON receivedone 16.9 oz. bottle of apple juice (0 mg NO 3 -); BR1 received one can of BR juice (300 mg, 4.84mmol NO 3 -), and BR2 received 2 cans (16.8 oz.) BR (600 mg, 9.68 mmol NO 3 -). One week priorto the study, each cadet completed body composition measurements, predicted aerobic capacitymeasurements, and nutritional analysis via two 24-hour dietary recalls. Differences in primarymeasures (distance covered in the Yo-Yo IR1) were analyzed with two-way repeated measuresANOVA tests both between groups (CON, BR1, BR2) and within groups (0, 6, and day 15).Descriptive statistics and frequency counts were run on all remaining variables with a one-wayANOVA or t-test, including maximal heart rate during the YoYo IR1, dietary compliance, dailyblood pressure, juice compliance, and conditioning work-outs&#x0D; Results: A dose-related enhancement with BR was observed; the data trended towardssignificance even in this small sample. A t-test revealed that there was a significant difference insprint performance by males and females overall at days 0, 6, 15 (p = 0.025, p = 0.005, p =0.004, respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: A single (300 mg, 4.84 mmol NO 3 ) or double (600 mg, 9.68 mmol NO 3 -) daily doseconsumption of BR appears to benefit ROTC cadets in athletic performance. Daily consumptionof BR benefitted ROTC males more than females. Results suggest BR supplementation could beadvantageous for sprint performance when administered for a longer duration (&amp;gt; 15 days).

Hearts and minds: goal-orientation and intercultural communicative competence of ROTC cadets learning critical languages

ABSTRACTThis qualitative case study investigates the development of intercultural communicative competence (ICC) of US Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets and their goals in learning critical languages. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were examined through inductive, thematic analysis. Findings indicate that goals appeared in clusters, with mutually reinforcing goals of military application and personal pleasure. This process affected perceived ICC and gains in sociolinguistic competence, leading to change in attitudes and critical cultural awareness.

The Effect of Repeated Shoulder Motion on Scapular Dyskinesis in Army ROTC Cadets.

Altered or abnormal scapular motion has been associated with increased shoulder pain and dysfunction. Fatigue of the scapular stabilizing muscles resulting from repeated arm motion has been reported to alter scapular kinematics, which could result in the clinical assessment of scapular dyskinesis. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effect of repeated arm motion on the development of scapular dyskinesis. The hypothesis was that repeated arm motion will induce a subtle or obvious scapular dyskinesis. About 30 army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets participated in the research study. The cadets level of shoulder function was determined using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand and Pennsylvania Shoulder Score shoulder scores. Cadets performed an exercise protocol of 30 repetitions of weighted shoulder motion in the frontal plane. Shoulder and scapular musculature strength measurements were recorded prior to and immediately following the exercise protocol using hand-held dynamometry. The scapular dyskinesis test was performed prior to the exercise protocol and during the last five repetitions of the exercise protocol. Prior to the exercise, protocol 3/30 were categorized with scapular dyskinesis on the left side and 3/30 were categorized with scapular dyskinesis on their right side. Following the exercise, protocol 8/30 were categorized with left-side scapular dyskinesis (χ2=9.167, P=0.002) and 6/30 with right-side dyskinesis (χ2=4.537, P=0.033). Shoulder strength decreased following the exercise protocol for all participants. The participants that developed scapular dyskinesis were weaker than those with normal scapular motion. However, the difference did not reach statistical significance. Participants graded with obvious scapular dyskinesis following the exercise protocol reported higher Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand scores (P=0.04) and lower scores on the Pennsylvania Shoulder Score (P=0.005). Repeated shoulder motion increased the frequency of scapular dyskinesis in army ROTC cadets. The cadets that developed scapular dyskinesis also reported greater disability and lower function of the upper extremity. The results provide a link between scapular dyskinesis, upper extremity function, and the strength of the scapular stabilizing muscles. Improving the strength of the scapular stabilizing musculature might reduce the effects of repeated arm motions.

Preliminary Concussion and Lower Extremity Injury Risk Among R.O.T.C. Cadets

ObjectiveTo examine the association between concussions and lower extremity musculoskeletal injury (LE-MSI) rates in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets.BackgroundConcussions have been associated with an increased risk for LE-MSI among high school, collegiate, and professional athletes as well as U.S. Army Soldiers. However, there is a paucity evidence on this relationship among U.S. Army ROTC cadets, future U.S. Army Officers, and a group similar to student-athletes in regards to physical activity levels.Design/MethodsA modified reliable injury questionnaire (ICC = 0.92) was used to identify the total number of reported concussions, intentionally unreported concussions, and potentially unrecognized concussions (e.g., memory loss not diagnosed as a concussion) as well as LE-MSI (e.g., muscle strains, ACL rupture) a cadet had suffered. A chi-square analysis was performed to identify the association between concussion and LE-MSI and any concussive injury and LE-MSI.Results47 cadets (19.9 ± 1.3 years) were recruited from one Army ROTC program. There was not a significant association between reported concussions and LE-MSI (Χ(1) = 3.122, p = 0.077). There was not a significant association between any concussive injury (reported, unreported, or potentially unrecognized) and LE-MSI (Χ(1) = 3.590, p = 0.058). The reported concussion history was 38.3% (18/47), any concussive history was 46.8% (22/47), and 68.1% (32/47) reported history of LE-MSI.ConclusionsPreliminary results showed that there was no statistically significant association between concussion and LE-MSI among ROTC cadets at this university. Future research is warranted on a larger cohort of cadets to determine if this relationship exists since cadets will soon commission, potentially risking injury while serving on active duty, causing limited duty days, reduced Department of Defense readiness, and increased healthcare costs. Cadets showed a high incidence of concussion and LE-MSK injury, and future research should target reducing these injuries among ROTC cadets prior to commissioning.

Perception of Criminology Students Towards ROTC Program of Bulacan State University

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program is one (1) of the components National Service Training Program (NSTP) for which all freshmen students should undertake to finish their Baccalaureate degree courses. The ROTC as a military science components of the NSTP is an educational program which combines practical and unmatched leadership training. This study determined the perception of criminology students of Bulacan State University towards the military science of the NSTP the ROTC component.This program designed to produce quality commissioned officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. These Military science courses are designed to prepare criminology students to develop their leadership, discipline and community awareness in response to the disaster risk reduction program of the community. With the ROTC program helps the criminology students to succeed in their chosen field in the college and be one of the aspiring Police Officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This research study draw pertinent data and information needed to determine the Perception of Criminology students of Bulacan State University towards ROTC program, this study utilized the descriptive method of research, which refers to the description, recording analysis and interpretation of the present condition of research. Questionnaires and documentary analysis were employed as tools in order to have baseline information of the variables under study.The respondents of this study were identified through purposive sampling, The group of respondents was composed of Basic and Advance ROTC Cadets of Bulacan State University with a total number of 324 cadets. As to the manning, manning management/organization, the basic cadets perceived it to be very evident and in terms of instruction the basic cadets perceived it to be very evident.