Body mass index and aerobic capacity: The key variables for good performance in soldiers

Body composition, leg power and aerobic capacity have been shown to be related to performance, although their combined influence in a training task under load carriage in soldiers is still unknown. In this study, the influence of aerobic capacity, body composition and leg strength on performance during an obstacle test with and without combat equipment carriage was analysed. Forty males belonging to the Spanish Army participated in this study. The time needed to complete an obstacle course with and without load, aerobic capacity (20-m shuttle run test), leg power (squat jumps) and body composition variables (body mass index [BMI], fat mass and lean mass) were tested to determine the best predictors of performance. The results indicated that the best predictors of obstacle course performance with and without load carriage are VO_2max and BMI. The jump height was not a significant factor in the model. In conclusion, BMI and VO_2max are predictors of the obstacle test time with and without load carriage, so it is recommended that both variables are included as criteria for enrolment in the military army to guarantee army members exhibit the highest obstacle course performance possible.HighlightThe VO_2max and BMI are the best predictors of an obstacle course performance with/without load carriage.The jump height was not a significant performance factor.The VO_2max and BMI are recommended as enrolment criteria for military army.