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BackgroundPhysical fitness tests are widely used to assess endurance, sprint ability, coordination and/or strength. The objective of the present study was to analyze the degree to which the results of the Bundeswehr Basis Fitness Test (BFT)--a physical fitness test comprising a sprint test (11 × 10-m shuttle test), a flexed-arm hang test and a 1000-m run--are consistent with the output measured during a bicycle ergometer test. The number of false-positive and false-negative results with regard to the assessment of physical fitness were also examined.MethodsAs part of a retrospective study, health assessments from 323 reenlistment examinations were evaluated regarding the output measured during a bicycle ergometer test and compared with the BFT results of the candidates.ResultsOverall, a good correlation was shown between the bicycle ergometer test results and the results achieved in the BFT disciplines. All three disciplines of the BFT showed a highly significant correlation with the relative output achieved during the bicycle ergometer test (P < 0.001), and also, the overall BFT score was highly significantly correlated (P < 0.001). The overall rate of false-positive and false-negative results was 4.0 %.ConclusionsThe BFT results measured in the three physical fitness test items were highly correlated with the output measured during the bicycle ergometer tests. The rate of false-positive and false-negative results was low. The test items thus represent an appropriate measurement instrument because the test items require few equipment and less time. Additionally, a large number of subjects can be assessed. We suggest that it would be more useful to assess the physical fitness of this special group exclusively on the basis of the BFT instead of using the bicycle ergometer test.

Objectives Due to the professionally specific risk of infection in the armed forces, recommendations for vaccination are usually adapted for soldiers and are subject to special regulations. Little data is available on scientifically measured vaccination coverage of soldiers. Methods A systematic literature research was carried out in the PubMed database using the search terms “army” or “military” or “Bundeswehr” and “vaccination” or “vaccine”. Studies covering the period from 1990 to 2018 that contain statements on vaccination coverage rates of soldiers were identified. Twenty-two out of the initially found 1801 results were used. Results The studies found were conducted in nine different countries with eight out of the 22 studies originating from the USA. The size of study was between 180 and 32,502 subjects. On average, the vaccination rates determined in the studies were between 26.8 and 94.7%. Hepatitis A coverage was lowest (a minimum of 11.3%) and tetanus vaccination coverage was highest (with a maximum of 94.7%). Vaccination rates decreased with increasing age and coverage tended to be lower for men than for women. The term of service did not have a significant effect on vaccination rates. Conclusions On the whole, most studies referred to recruits. They showed high vaccination rates for standard vaccinations and lower vaccination rates for indication and seasonal vaccinations. However, there were also vaccination gaps of temporary-career volunteers. This leads to a considerable effort at the armed forces to complete vaccine protection in case of a short-term operational commitment.

Duty and leisure time sport mainly caused injuries to the lower limb. These injuries caused long absence from duty. Therefore, profound knowledge of physical examination, medical treatment and rehabilitation is necessary for the military physician in order to provide an adequate therapy.

Vaccination is one of the most effective medical measures for preventing infectious diseases. Even though there are recommendations for specific occupational groups that have an increased risk of infection, e.g., armed forces personnel, there are gaps in the vaccination rates of this personal. We conducted a randomised and controlled cohort study to examine whether a computerised reminder system would increase the vaccination rates of active soldiers over a period of twelve months. A total of 506 soldiers with a mean age of 27.7 ± 6.5 years (experimental group (EG)) and 27.9 ± 6.3 years (control group (CG)) were included in our study. Only 26.2% of the EG and 31.3% of the CG had received the required vaccinations at the beginning of our study. The vaccination rates for influenza (50.5% and 49.1%) and tick-borne encephalitis (57.1% and 60.7%) were particularly low, for measles, mumps, and rubella they were high (94.3% and 97.8%). A highly significant increase (p < 0.001) in vaccination rates was observed for both groups during our study. The results revealed considerable vaccination gaps among German armed forces soldiers. Despite a highly significant increase in vaccination rates during the study, there is still a clear need for action.