Publication Date

Spring 2022

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Rachel Tinius (Director), Kayla Baker, and Sarah Scali

Degree Program

Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

The fitness level of our service members is of utmost importance due to the nature of their occupation. This study investigated whether changes to the Navy’s Physical Readiness Test (PRT) impact performance on the fitness test. Participants were college-aged males between the ages of 18 and 29 (n=20; 21.05±2.01 years; BMI 24.85± 2.74). Participants performed both the New PRT and Old PRT at two separate randomized visits. Protocols included push-ups, curl-ups (old version) or a forearm plank hold (new version), and a 1.5-mile run. At the end of each exercise, the participant’s heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. There was a significant difference in points awarded for the plank (54±12.02) protocol compared to the curl-up (32.75±31.30) protocol (p=0.002). A paired samples t-test was run to compare the overall average of points rewarded on the Old PRT versus New PRT was found to be significant with participants scoring higher on the New PRT (37.80±16.01 points; 44.70±14.40 points, p=0.01). Based on the results, the curl-up and forearm plank standards are not equivalent; therefore, the Navy should consider increasing the minimum standard for the forearm plank hold to maintain the same rigor as the Old PRT. The findings of this study provide support for necessary modifications to the Navy PRT, and this could include a separate Navy combat fitness test along with a physical fitness test.

Disciplines

Exercise Science | Other Kinesiology

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