Physical Fitness of Soldiers Entering and Leaving Basic Combat Training

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of basic combat training (BCT) in improving the physical fitness of incoming soldiers and compared the physical fitness and trainability of current trainees to those measured in previous years. 350 soldiers (182 men and 168 women) were recruited from those entering two BCT battalions at the Ft Jackson Reception Station during May 1-14, 1998. Volunteers performed the following procedures before BCT: (1) continuous uphill treadmill running test of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak); (2) one-repetition maximum (1-RM) isometric strength test of the lower body, upper torso and upright pulling strength; (3) 1-RM test of dynamic lifting strength; (4) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) assessment of body composition; (5) anthropometric measurements (skinfolds and circumferences); (6) vertical jump; (7) photometric measurement of limb length and joint diameters; and (8) joint mobility measures.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA374356

Entities

People

  • John F. Patton
  • Joseph J Knapik
  • Keith Hauret
  • Marilyn A. Sharp
  • Michael A. Smutok

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Body Composition
  • Data Analysis
  • Health
  • Health Services
  • Heart Rate
  • Information Science
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mobility
  • Musculoskeletal Physiology
  • Peak Power
  • Physical Fitness
  • Test Methods
  • Trainees
  • Training
  • Treadmills
  • X Rays

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.