Evaluation of Two Simple Functional Tests to Predict Attrition from Combat Service in Female Light Infantry Soldiers

Abstract

BackgroundWorldwide, there is a high attrition rate, or dropout rate, from combat in trained soldiers, mainly due to musculoskeletal injuries. This study aimed to determine whether the use of an upper limb stability test, the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT), and a modified version of the Ranger Test (MRT) that included a lower limb step-up endurance test, could predict attrition from combat service in female infantry soldiers.Material/MethodsIn 2015, a group of 167 newly recruited female light infantry soldiers were evaluated using the UQYBT and the MRT. Data regarding attrition from combat service were collected in 2017, 18 months after screening. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive effect of body mass index (BMI), UQYBT, and MRT scores on attrition from combat service.ResultsFifty-three female soldiers (31.7%) dropped out of combat service during the 18 months following recruitment. The MRT score was a significant predictor of attrition, with each additional incremental increase in the MRT score reducing the attrition rate by 6.8% (OR=0.934; 95% CI, 0.895–0.975). A cutoff MRT score of 12 increments predicted attrition with 73.7% sensitivity and 50.9% specificity. The UQYBT scores and BMI were not significant predictors.ConclusionsThe use of the MRT during military training, was a predictive screening method to predict attrition from combat service in Israeli female infantry soldiers. Further studies are required to evaluate the use of the MRT in other groups of women in the military.

Can Physiological and Psychological Factors Predict Dropout from Intense 10-Day Winter Military Survival Training?

“…A limitation to study by Saxon et al (2020) is that only statistics of group comparisons were conducted without more sophisticated statistical methods such as regressions, and thus relationships with adjusted confounders were not reported. Another study by Gottlieb et al (2020) found that a modified loaded submaximal endurance test was associated with attrition for 18 months of infantry training in women, whereas upper limb stability test was not [11]. The present study findings together with the very few recent study results [3,11] may indicate that selected physical fitness components are related to dropout phenomenon, showing most promise in aerobic fitness.…”

“…Another study by Gottlieb et al (2020) found that a modified loaded submaximal endurance test was associated with attrition for 18 months of infantry training in women, whereas upper limb stability test was not [11]. The present study findings together with the very few recent study results [3,11] may indicate that selected physical fitness components are related to dropout phenomenon, showing most promise in aerobic fitness. However, future studies are warranted to gain more insight in this particular research issue in military settings.…”

“…Saxon et al (2020) observed that there was a tendency for higher pull-up and 3-mile run test performances, but not in sit-ups, in individuals who were able to finish 25-day Reconnaissance course compared to drop-outs [3]. Another study by Gottlieb et al (2020) showed that a modified loaded submaximal endurance test was inversely associated with dropout during 18 months infantry training in women, whereas upper limb stability test and BMI were not [11]. However, there are appears to be lack of studies investigating dropout in a short-term intensive military survival training performed in demanding winter field conditions.…”

“…Previous studies have reported negative changes in physical fitness, body composition and hormonal profile after intense military field training periods [4,5] as well as after survival field training [8][9][10]. Earlier studies focusing on dropout from military service and a Special Forces course [3,11] have revealed that the level of physical fitness may be associated with dropout. Saxon et al (2020) observed that there was a tendency for higher pull-up and 3-mile run test performances, but not in sit-ups, in individuals who were able to finish 25-day Reconnaissance course compared to drop-outs [3].…”

“…However, there are appears to be lack of studies investigating dropout in a short-term intensive military survival training performed in demanding winter field conditions. Moreover, hormonal biomarkers respond rapidly to alterations in physiological state and it has been shown that during military field training, for example, cortisol and testosterone concentrations can change to great extent [4,5,8,9,11]. Nevertheless, interactions between baseline concentrations of hormonal profile and dropout from military survival training has not been previously studied.…”