How does maximal aerobic capacity predict the performance of ROTC cadets on the ACFT

Authors

Ruth Larson, Grand Canyon UniversityFollow
Annika Grams, Grand Canyon UniversityFollow
Sofia Harman, Grand Canyon UniversityFollow
Sara Thomasson, Grand Canyon UniversityFollow
Kaitlyn Wabakken, Grand Canyon UniversityFollow
Katelynn Brock, Grand Canyon UniversityFollow
Payton Price, Grand Canyon UniversityFollow
Anthony Acevedo, Grand Canyon UniversityFollow
Zachary Zeigler, Grand Canyon UniversityFollow

Abstract

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a newly developed test that assesses the combat readiness of U.S. Army soldiers. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO_2max) characteristics vary between soldiers and have the ability to affect performance outcomes. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine if VO_2max can predict performance outcomes of the ACFT in ROTC cadets. Methods: ROTC cadets (44 males, 15 females; aged 21.06 ± 3.6 years) completed the 6-event ACFT (3-repetition maximum trap-bar deadlift [MDL], standing power toss [SPT], hand-release pushups [HRPU], sprint-drag-carry shuttle run [SDC], plank [PLK], and 2-mile run [2MR]). The cadets were invited into the laboratory to conduct a maximal treadmill running test following the Bruce protocol. The ability for VO_2max (mL·kg^-1·min^-1) to predict ACFT performance was determined with a linear regression model. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: VO_2max was significantly and positively correlated to MDL (r = .301, p = .018), HRP (r = .525, p < .001), SDC (r = .573, p < .001), PLK (r = .668, p < .001) 2MR (r = .642, p < .001) and overall ACFT score (r = .666, p < .001) except MDL (r = -.021, p = .920), SPT (r = -.173, p = .408), HRP (r = .280, p = .175). VO_2max significantly explained 43% (p = .001) of the variance on the total ACFT scores with a beta coefficient of 4.911. Conclusion: There is a gap in the understanding of how VO_2max impacts performance in the newly implemented ACFT. VO_2max is a predictor of the ACFT total and significantly correlates with the MDL, HRP, SDC, PLK, and 2MR. VO_2max did not correlate with the individual event SPT. For every .715 mL·kg^-1·min^-1 increase in VO_2max, ACFT total scores increased by 4.911 points. These findings create the need for further research due to the majority of U.S. Army personnel failing the PLK and 2MR, which can be associated with an insignificant aerobic capacity.

Recommended Citation

Larson, Ruth; Grams, Annika; Harman, Sofia; Thomasson, Sara; Wabakken, Kaitlyn; Brock, Katelynn; Price, Payton; Acevedo, Anthony; and Zeigler, Zachary (2022) "How does maximal aerobic capacity predict the performance of ROTC cadets on the ACFT," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 2, Article 141.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss2/141