-
Views
-
Cite
Cite
Todd A. Crowder, Andrew L. Ferrara, Max D. Levinbook, Creation of a Criterion-Referenced Military Optimal Performance Challenge, Military Medicine, Volume 178, Issue 10, October 2013, Pages 1085–1101, https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-13-00081
Close - Share Icon Share
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To compare an empirical, Army doctrine-based (endurance, strength, mobility, military relevant tasks), criterion-referenced, body mass (BM) unbiased Military Optimal Performance Challenge (MOPC) to the Army's Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and thus assisting commanders to determine military readiness. Methods: Militarily-relevant physical assessments were combined to create a composite MOPC score. The MOPC and APFT were administered to 20 male, military subjects during a 2-week period. Data collection included 3-Mile Run, Mobility Test, Upper/Lower Body Strength/Endurance, Simulated Casualty Evacuation Test. The APFT was administered through Army guidelines before MOPC data collection. Results: The APFT was influenced by BM, lean body mass (LBM) (r = −0.44; r2 = 0.20; p = 0.04), whereas MOPC was less impacted (r = 0.21; r2 = 0.04; p = 0.32). Eight subjects, as viewed by %APFT, are “fit for duty” (80.6%); however, all eight subjects' mean score as %MOPC was <50%. Conclusions: The MOPC offers a robust approach to military readiness and is free of the confounding influence of BM. The MOPC is a unique assessment requiring a multitude of abilities to garner success and may assist in training for functional combat performance skills demanding high work capacities.
