Reliability of performance measures relevant to fitness and Soldier readiness are underreported or limited to specialized populations. PURPOSE: To determine the within- and between-day reliability of selected physical performance measures. METHODS: 182 Infantry Soldiers (23.6 ± 4.6 yrs; 176.6 ± 72.4cm; 80.0 ± 11.8 kg) were tested twice on nonconsecutive days. Subjects performed a single trial of continuous pull ups, 1-repetition maximum bench press, and 50-m simulated casualty recovery. Three trials of a vertical jump, t-test agility drill, 5-kg medicine ball put and 30 M rush were also performed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to establish within- and between-day reliability for single and best score (ICC 3,1), and average (ICC 3,2 and 3,3) measures. RESULTS: All multiple trial measures demonstrated good to excellent within-day reliability with marginal differences between single, best, and average measures for each task. Between-day reliability for single measures were good to excellent for all tasks except the t-test and casualty recovery. Best score reliability coefficients improved when using three trials (0.87 - 0.91) compared to two trials (0.70 - 0.85). Average score reliability coefficients were all excellent and did not substantially improve when using three trials.TableValues represent ranges of reliability coefficients CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that between-day reliability of selected measures of fitness and performance are substantially more variable than within-day measurements, unless trials are averaged. Averaging two vs. three trials does not affect reliability. It is recommended maximal performance trials be averaged to minimize biological and tester variability.

The effectiveness of Army physical training at improving military task performance has not been established. PURPOSE: To compare traditional Army physical training to a modified 7 wk program in improving physical performance. METHODS: 182 Infantry Soldiers were assigned to either a traditional training (TT) group or a modified training (MT) group. 135 Soldiers completed the study (TT: n=40, 22.7±3.7yr, 78.9±12.0kg, 176.1±7.6cm; MT: n=95, 23.5±5.1yr, 79.7±11.3kg, 176.6±7.3cm). Both groups trained 5 d/wk for 7 wks. The TT group performed calisthenics and running (60–90 min/d). The MT group performed core stability (15 min/d, 4 d/wk), flexibility (15 min/d, up to 5 d/wk), resistance (60 min/d, 2 d/wk) and agility/speed/power (60 min/d, 2 d/wk) exercises, and loaded marching or running (1 d/wk). Variables of interest included: sit & reach (SR), 5 kg medicine ball throw (MB), 1-RM bench press (BP), vertical jump (VJ), agility drill (AD), pull-ups (PU), 30m rushes (30M), and a 50m casualty rescue (CR). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVAs and Tukey's Post-hoc testing (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There were no baseline group differences. Training resulted in significant improvements in CR, 30M, MB and BP for the MT group only. Time effects were observed for all measures except SR and VJ. Means ± SE reported for both groups pre- and post-training.TableCONCLUSIONS: A modified short-term physical training program positively influenced fitness and military tasks to a greater extent than traditional physical training suggesting that these new exercises should be incorporated into Army training programs. The effects were most pronounced in tasks requiring anaerobic power.

Physical performance norms in Soldiers are lacking. The impact of physical training on the distribution of these norms is unknown. PURPOSE: To establish physical performance norms in Infantry Soldiers and assess the effects of physical training on their distribution. METHODS: 180 Infantry Soldiers (23.6±4.6 yr, 176.9±7.2cm; 80.0±12.1kgs) were randomized into traditional (TT) or modified (MT) training groups. Groups performed calisthenics and running (TT), or resistance, speed, and agility exercises (MT). Normative data (percentiles) were created for a 1RM bench press (BP), maximal pull-ups (PU), medicine ball put (MBP), agility drill (AD), 30-m rush (Rush) and a simulated casualty drag (CD). A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare groups over time. RESULTS: Normative quartilesTableMean group changes by quartileTableMean AD and Rush scores improved for Q1-Q3 in both groups. PU improved in both groups for Q1, Q2, and Q4. These changes were likely due to greater percentile improvements in the MT group. CONCLUSION: A modified physical training program is superior to traditional training in producing performance gains across all ability levels.