A longitudinal analysis of the U.S. Air Force reserve officers’ training corps physical fitness assessment

Abstract

Background The U.S. Air Force physical fitness assessment (PFA) is used to determine the overall fitness of their personnel. It is currently unknown to what extent the PFA scores of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets are affected by mandatory physical training. The purpose of this investigation was to longitudinally examine the PFAs of ROTC cadets over a four-year period, evaluate the results across class ranks, and evaluate the sensitivity of the classification of the tests. Methods Air Force ROTC cadets performed the PFAs (abdominal circumference, 1-min pushups, 1-min sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run) in both the spring (n = 26) and fall (n = 22) semesters. PFAs were compiled over a four-year period (Spring 2014 – Fall 2017) and were performed in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36–2905. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed separately for the fall and spring groups for each dependent variable across the 4 years. Additionally, a one-way between groups ANOVA was performed for each dependent variable during the time point (fall 2015; N = 46) with the most recorded cadets for each class rank. Results Longitudinal assessments revealed a main effect of time (P = 0.010) on abdominal circumference; cadets had a smaller abdominal circumference in their freshman year than in their senior year. A main effect of time (P = 0.006) was also observed on sit-up quantity; cadets performed more sit-ups in their junior year than in their freshman year. Examining between class ranks during the same year (between-subjects ANOVA) revealed a main effect of class rank on sit-up quantity (P = 0.003); the freshmen completed fewer repetitions than the sophomores (P = 0.018) and the juniors did (P = 0.001). Conclusion The results indicated that only the sit-up component showed differences between class ranks. These findings suggest that the Air Force PFA may not be sensitive enough to detect changes in physical fitness or distinguish between class ranks regarding physical performance, even after years of training. This limitation may be in part due to the limited duration of training incorporated by the ROTC program (2 h per week), which provided a maintenance effect rather than improvement in physical performance. We recommend that more attention be directed to the efficacy of physical training, the sensitivity of measures included in the PFA, or both.

Physical fitness in Spanish naval cadets. A four-year study

“…Furthermore, these training systems and curricula must also be sufficiently robust to ensure the satisfactory progression of recruits' or cadets' fitness within a set period of time [8,9]. Each branch of the armed forces determines the necessary physical fitness testing needed to maintain minimal levels of fitness and strength for its members' respective duties [6,[10][11][12]. Physical fitness assessments are an essential component for the measurement of the physical capacities of all Service Members [1].…”

“…The importance of adequate levels of physical fitness is emphasized in military personnel due to the high physical demands which exist during military training and in warfare [10,11]. In the USA, soldiers who fail the APFT usually participate in remedial physical training programmes, while repeated failures can lead to their discharge from military service [13].…”

Physical Fitness in Spanish Naval Cadets. A 4-year Study

“…Additionally, these training systems and curricula must also be su ciently robust to ensure satisfactory recruit or cadets' progression within a period [8,9]. Each service branch determines the necessary physical tness testing needed to maintain minimal levels of tness and strength for its members' respective duties [6,[10][11][12]. Physical tness assessments are an essential component in measuring the physical capacities of all Service Members [1].…”

“…Enough levels of physical tness are emphasized in military personnel due to the high physical demands during military training and in warfare [10,11]. In the USA, soldiers who fail the APFT usually participate in a remedial physical training program and repeated failures can lead to discharge from military service [13].…”

Physical fitness and anthropometrics in Finnish soldiers during their early career: prospective changes during a 3-year follow-up

“…10 Moreover, increased waist circumference and decreased sit up performance was observed in Air Force Reserve Officer` Training Corps (ROTC) cadets during the 4-year education, while push-up performance and aerobic fitness remained unchanged. 11 about what happens after graduation and during the early career of an officer. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, there are not any studies addressing this issue.…”