Modeling ability to perform common soldier tasks based on the Army Combat Fitness Test dead lift

Abstract

The US Army has developed a battery of physical fitness test events to measure soldier readiness to engage with and overmatch the enemy in close combat. The original Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) only assessed three events: a two-mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups. To better represent the myriad of physical tasks soldiers are exposed to and expected to complete, a new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) was developed (US Army, 2018). The ACFT comprises six physical exercise tasks: (a) threerepetition maximum deadlift; (b) standing power throw; (c) hand-release push-ups; (d) a combination sprint, drag, and carry task; (e) leg tuck (or plank); and (f) two-mile run. The Army performed several investigations comparing task performance of the ACFT to a simulated battle drills and common soldier tasks (CSTs) obstacle course, where completion time was the primary outcome measure. However, the Army was not able to compare more detailed aspects between CSTs and the new ACFT, such as biomechanical analyses based on digital human modeling.