Back to Search Start Over

A Single, Multimodal Exercise Tolerance Test Can Assess Combat Readiness in Army-ROTC Cadets: A Brief Report

Authors :
Derek A. Crawford
Katie M. Heinrich
Christopher K. Haddock
W. S. Carlos Poston
R. Sue Day
Christopher Kaipust
Blake Skola
Amanda J. Wakeman
Eric Kunkel
Addison Bell
Emily Wilhite
Nathanial Young
Allison Whitley
Madelyn Fritts
Source :
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, Vol 8, Iss 4, p 152 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a multi-event assessment battery designed to determine the combat readiness of U.S. Army personnel. However, for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs the logistical demands of collegiate life make repeated administration of the ACFT challenging. The present study sought to design and evaluate a single, multimodal exercise tolerance test (METT) capable of serving as a time-efficient proxy measure of combat readiness. Methods: Using a formal instrument design process, we constructed the METT to mimic the demands of the ACFT and assessed its reliability, validity, and responsiveness. Results: The METT demonstrates minimal measurement error (i.e., a 2% coefficient of variation), concurrent validity with the ACFT (R2 = 0.327, F = 10.67, p < 0.001), the ability to classify cadets who may be at-risk for failing the ACFT (X2 = 8.16, p = 0.017, sensitivity = 0.878, specificity = 0.667), and appropriate change following a training intervention (5.69 ± 8.9%). Conclusions: The METT has the potential to provide a means to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and guide informed decision-making regarding individualization of cadet combat training plans.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
24115142
Volume :
8
Issue :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b67aaf93ccda40978de5272b29e530c7
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040152