RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Military physical fitness tests and standards often lack a scientific basis. Contrary to this traditional-historical precedent, US Air Force researchers use a "Two-Tier" health (Tier 1) and performance (Tier 2) approach to develop evidence-based criterion physical fitness tests, standards, and training. This study specifically and only addresses a physical demands analysis, the first step in a six-step process to develop Tier 2 occupationally specific, operationally relevant physical fitness tests and standards, and training guidance. OBJECTIVE: This study conducted a physical demands analysis to identify and delineate occupationally specific, operationally relevant critical physical tasks for eight physically demanding US Air Force occupational specialties. METHODS: A comprehensive five part physical demands analysis reviewed duty tasks, conducted focus groups, assessed incumbents, observed operational tasks, and interviewed senior leaders to detail critical physical tasks. RESULTS: The physical demands analysis delineated duty tasks to critical physical tasks for Special Tactics (556 to 40), Pararescue (981 to 50), Tactical Air Control (415 to 44), Special Operations Weather (586 to 50), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (1107 to 39), Security Forces (1286 to 25), Fire and Emergency Services (802 to 39), and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (1099 to 25). CONCLUSIONS: The study approach proved efficacious for conducting a thorough physical demands analysis to identify and delineate occupationally specific, operationally relevant critical physical tasks for eight US Air Force physically demanding occupations. Critical physical tasks provide basis for the next overall research process step, developing physical task simulations to link to predictive physical fitness tests and training guidance.

RESUMEN

Physical fitness training of military recruits is an enduring focus of armies. This is important for safe and effective performance of general tasks that anyone may have to perform in a military setting as well as preparation for more specialized training in specific job specialties. Decades of studies on occupationally specific physical requirements have characterized the dual aerobic and strength demands of typical military tasks; however, scientifically founded strategies to prepare recruits with a good mix of these 2 physiologically opposing capabilities have not been well established. High levels of aerobic training can compromise resistance training gains and increase injury rates. Resistance training requires a greater commitment of time and resources as well as a greater understanding of the science to produce true strength gains that may be beneficial to military performance. These are critical issues for modern armies with increased demands for well-prepared soldiers and fewer injury losses. The actual physical requirements tied to metrics of success in military jobs are also under renewed examination as women are increasingly integrated into military jobs previously performed only by men. At the third International Congress on Soldiers' Physical Performance, a roundtable of 10 physiologists with military expertise presented comparative perspectives on aerobic and strength training. These topics included the physiological basis of training benefits, how to train effectively, how to measure training effectiveness, considerations for the integration of women, and the big perspective. Key discussion points centered on (a) the significance of findings from research on integrated training, (b) strategies for effective strength development, and

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Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) is critical in both civilian and military populations to enhance physical performance, optimize health, and minimize health care expenses. Developing a more unified approach through addressing identified movement impairments could result in improved dynamic balance, trunk stability, and functional movement quality while potentially minimizing the risk of incurring such injuries. Although the evidence supporting the utility of injury prediction and return-to-activity readiness screening tools is encouraging, considerable additional research is needed regarding improving sensitivity, specificity, and outcomes, and especially the implementation challenges and barriers in a military setting. If selected current functional movement assessments can be administered in an efficient and cost-effective manner, utilization of the existing tools may be a beneficial first step in decreasing the burden of MSKI, with a subsequent focus on secondary and tertiary prevention via further assessments on those with prior injury history.

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A potential emerging problem associated with increasingly popularized extreme conditioning programs (ECPs) has been identified by the military and civilian communities. That is, there is an apparent disproportionate musculoskeletal injury risk from these demanding programs, particularly for novice participants, resulting in lost duty time, medical treatment, and extensive rehabilitation. This is a significant and costly concern for the military with regard to effectively maintaining operational readiness of the Force. While there are certain recognized positive aspects of ECPs that address a perceived and/or actual unfulfilled conditioning need for many individuals and military units, these programs have limitations and should be considered carefully. Moreover, certain distinctive characteristics of ECPs appear to violate recognized accepted standards for safely and appropriately developing muscular fitness and are not uniformly aligned with established and accepted training doctrine. Accordingly, practical solutions to improve ECP prescription and implementation and reduce injury risk are of paramount importance.

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Elevated body weight among active duty Air Force (ADAF) members is a substantial and growing problem, and typically results from gaining small amounts of weight each year over many years. We designed a strategy to prevent annual weight gain in ADAF members using self-directed behavior change booklets followed by weekly e-mails about diet and physical activity for a year. The intervention was universally offered to ADAF members meeting selection criteria at five U.S. Air Force bases (n = 3,502); members at 60 other U.S. Air Force bases served as controls (n = 65,089). The intervention was completely effective at preventing weight gain in a subgroup of men (those above the lowest three ranks, with baseline weight above maximum allowable) and in women, while controls continued to gain weight. Since the intervention did not require personalized contact, this approach has promise for large-scale population-based efforts aimed at preventing weight gain in working adults.

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