Examination Of Predictors Of Physical Readiness Test Performance Among Us Naval Academy Midshipmen

The Physical Readiness Test (PRT) is used by the U.S. Naval Academy to evaluate the military preparedness and physical stamina of midshipmen. Those who fail the test are required to complete the Physical Training Remediation Program. Poor susbsequent performance may result in dismissal from the academy. Thus, identifying predictors of PRT success is needed in order to implement targeted interventions for those at risk of failure. PURPOSE: Examine the relation between markers of resiliency, sleep and stress on PRT performance in a cohort of midshipmen. METHODS: Participants completed four validated survey instruments- the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)- four weeks prior to performing the PRT. The PRT is comprised of two minutes of push-ups conducted on a 2-second cadence, a timed isometric plank-hold, and a timed 1.5-mile run. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between the independent variables and performance of the individual PRT segments. RESULTS: Fifty-eight (age: 21.0 + 1.2 years; height: 68.6 ± 4.1 in; mass: 75.6 ± 14.9 kg; 34 men: 24 women) midshipmen completed 51.4 + 8.7 repetions of push-ups, held a plank for 04:11 + 00:28 min, and completed the 1.5 mile run in 10:04 + 01:13 min. No relation between the independent variables and performance on the push up test (F (4, 41) = 1.915; p = 0.126), the plank-hold (F (4, 41) = 0.717; p = 0.585), or 1.5 mile run time (F (4, 42) = 0.499; p = 0.737) were observed. However, CD-RISC was associated with PSS (r = -0.381; p = 0.001), ISI (r = -0.378; p = 0.002), and PSQI (r = -0.368; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Markers of resiliency, sleep and stress were not related to performance on the PRT in a group of Navy midshipmen. However, results from bivariate correlations suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing sleep and reducing stress may help to improve resiliency in this cohort.