The Association Between Body Composition and Performance on Military Fitness Tests

Feeney, KA, Melton, BF, Ryan, GA, Bland, HW, and Butler, CR. The association between body composition and performance on military fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): 94-98, 2025-Body composition and physical testing are important considerations for military personnel. However, limited research exists on the potential relationship between these 2 factors. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to examine the correlations between several body composition measures and performance on the components of 2 separate fitness tests in Air Force special warfare candidates. Within the cohort of candidates, 1,036 completed body composition testing, 1,002 completed a calisthenic-based fitness test, and 562 completed a fitness test designed to mimic occupational tasks. Analysis of Pearson correlations indicated that the calisthenic-based test weakly favored candidates with lower body mass and body fat levels on the lower end of that found within the cohort studied, while a higher score on the occupational-based test was linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and lower absolute and relative body fat levels. Individual components of the occupational-based test favored different body composition relationships. A large negative association was seen between the farmer's carry time and SMM (r = -0.53) and a moderate negative association between farmer's carry time and body mass (r = -0.46), p < 0.01. The weight lifted during 3-RM deadlift demonstrated moderate positive associations with body mass (r = 0.49), BMI (r = 0.50), and SMM (r = 0.49), p < 0.01. These results suggest that individuals in physically active military roles should maximize SMM while managing body fat levels.