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Published on: October 5, 2020
The Relationship Between ROTC Cadets' Perceived Readiness and Performance in Dual-Task Treadmill Protocol
Lina Ochoa1,2, Garry Dredge1,2, Erin Stone1
1Army Training and Transformation Command (T2COM), Joint Base Langley Eustis, Newport News, VA 23604, United States.
Military Medicine
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Self-perceived readiness showed limited correlation with objective performance in cadets. However, cadets view readiness as multidimensional, encompassing factors beyond physical and cognitive abilities, suggesting distinct aspects of military readiness.
Area of Science:
- Military Science
- Human Performance
- Psychology
Background:
- Military operations involve high stress, impacting service member readiness.
- Quantifying military readiness remains a challenge for effective deployment.
- The Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) System highlights physical and cognitive readiness, but practical assessment tools are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore cadets' perceptions of readiness and a dual-task treadmill protocol.
- To determine associations between self-perceived readiness and objective cognitive/physical performance.
- To examine the relationship between self-perceived readiness and changes in perceptual-cognitive control.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory mixed-methods study with 25 ROTC cadets.
- Utilized the Acute Readiness Monitoring Scale (ARMS), surveys, a dual-task treadmill protocol, and the Single Leg Memory Hop (SLMH).
- Included semi-structured interviews for qualitative data on readiness perceptions.
Main Results:
- Few significant correlations were found between overall ARMS scores and objective performance metrics.
- Cadets' endurance declined with increased exercise intensity, despite high cognitive accuracy.
- Qualitative data revealed readiness is perceived as multidimensional, influenced by sleep, fitness, nutrition, and mindset.
Conclusions:
- Self-perceived readiness and objective performance appear to be distinct but complementary components of military readiness.
- Cadets' conceptualization of readiness extends beyond solely physical and cognitive capabilities.
- Further research is required to develop and validate comprehensive readiness assessment tools for military leaders.
