Maximal Aerobic Capacity as a Predictor of Performance on ACFT Total Score of ROTC Cadets

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Military Science
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a critical measure of U.S. Army soldier combat readiness.
• Understanding the physiological demands of the ACFT is essential for optimizing soldier performance and training.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the relationship between aerobic capacity and ACFT outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) can predict performance on the six events of the ACFT in ROTC cadets.
• To investigate the aerobic demands of the ACFT and identify key performance predictors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 64 ROTC cadets (50 males, 14 females).
• Participants completed the six-event ACFT, including maximum trap-bar deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release pushups, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and a 2-mile run.
• Maximal treadmill running tests using the Bruce protocol were conducted to determine VO2max.

Main Results:

• VO2max showed significant positive correlations with maximum trap-bar deadlift, hand-release pushups, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and the 2-mile run.
• VO2max was also significantly correlated with the overall ACFT score, explaining 38% of the variance.
• No significant correlation was found between VO2max and the standing power throw event.

Conclusions:

• Maximal oxygen uptake is a significant predictor of overall ACFT performance and most individual events.
• A notable increase in ACFT total scores (4 points) was observed for every 1 mL·kg−1·min−1 increase in VO2max.
• Findings underscore the importance of aerobic capacity for ACFT success and suggest that insufficient aerobic fitness may contribute to failures in events like the 2-mile run.