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Body composition, leg power and aerobic capacity have been shown to be related to performance, although their combined influence in a training task under load carriage in soldiers is still unknown. In this study, the influence of aerobic capacity, body composition and leg strength on performance during an obstacle test with and without combat equipment carriage was analysed. Forty males belonging to the Spanish Army participated in this study. The time needed to complete an obstacle course with and without load, aerobic capacity (20-m shuttle run test), leg power (squat jumps) and body composition variables (body mass index [BMI], fat mass and lean mass) were tested to determine the best predictors of performance. The results indicated that the best predictors of obstacle course performance with and without load carriage are VO 2max and BMI. The jump height was not a significant factor in the model. In conclusion, BMI and VO 2max are predictors of the obstacle test time with and without load carriage, so it is recommended that both variables are included as criteria for enrolment in the military army to guarantee army members exhibit the highest obstacle course performance possible. Highlight The VO 2max and BMI are the best predictors of an obstacle course performance with/without load carriage.The jump height was not a significant performance factor.The VO 2max and BMI are recommended as enrolment criteria for military army.

We analysed reaction and perception capabilities in soldiers with or without combat equipment load. Spanish infantry soldiers (n = 46) completed a one-kilometre obstacle course without combat equipment and with combat equipment load. In each case they completed measures of reaction time and perception accuracy. Comparisons (t-tests) indicated the soldiers to be slower in reaction time with combat equipment loading while their perceptual abilities were unaffected with combat equipment loading. The differential effects of combat equipment loading on reaction time and perceptual ability could be explained by the mental arousal improving the moderate intensity of soldiers, being able to answer more quickly after the physical effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]