Association between Performance in Muscle Fitness Field Tests and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Soldiers

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle strength and muscle endurance are important fitness components related to safe and efficient execution of physically demanding military work. In soldiers, these components are traditionally measured from simple field tests like push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. However, the validity of such muscle fitness field tests is questioned due to reports of low association between test performance and the ability to conduct strength demanding military work (eg, lift and carry tasks). It is therefore necessary to study, develop, and implement more valid field tests, which are still feasible for mass testing in the military. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is an important physiological component related to maximal muscle force generation (strength). Thus, an alternative way of validating muscle fitness field tests is by comparisons against SMM. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between SMM and performance in five muscle fitness field tests. Materials and Methods: A total of 275 military cadets (including 27 women) participated in this method comparison study. The field tests included push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups (vertical for men, horizontal for women), standing medicine ball throw, and Sargent jump (peak power and jump height). SMM was estimated from bioelectrical impedance analysis and expressed in absolute values (kg) or relative to body mass. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to investigate associations between SMM and performance in the five field tests. The study was submitted to the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics prior to startup, and the Committee considered the study to be exempted from notification. The study was reviewed and approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Results: In men, the highest correlation against absolute SMM was found for the Sargent jump (peak power) and the medicine ball throw (r = 0.71 and 0.54, respectively). The same trend was evident for women (r = 0.85 and 0.61, respectively) and for the two genders combined (r = 0.85 and 0.79, respectively). All these r-values were significant (P < 0.001). In men, the highest r against relative SMM was found for pull-ups (r = 0.50, P < 0.001). The same pattern was found in women, but the association was not significant (r = 0.36, P = 0.07). The sit-ups test demonstrated low or nonsignificant associations with both absolute and relative SMM. Conclusions: Among the five muscle fitness field tests investigated, the Sargent jump (peak power) and the medicine ball throw demonstrated the strongest correlation coefficients against absolute SMM. Thus, these two tests should be better alternatives for assessing relevant upper and lower body strength and power in soldiers compared with push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups. Pull-ups generally demonstrated the strongest correlation against relative SMM. Sit-ups demonstrated low or nonsignificant associations with both absolute and relative SMM. Consequently, the test should be considered for removal from military fitness test batteries or replaced by alternative abdominal tests that are more valid.