Changes In Physical Training And Injury Incidence Following Army Combat Fitness Test Field Testing

Physical training and injury incidence may be affected with the implementation of new physical training modalities. PURPOSE: To measure changes in physical training and injury incidence by activity type following field testing of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), which introduced tests of strength, power, and anaerobic endurance. METHODS: Sixty-one battalions were selected, and electronic surveys were administered before and after ACFT field testing, October 2018 through June 2020. Surveys collected demographics, injury incidence, and physical training activities (unit and personal) within the previous 12 months. ACFT records were obtained from the Digital Training Management System. Chi-square tests evaluated differences between categorical variables. Independent and paired t-tests assessed differences between continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 1,134 Soldiers completed a survey both before and after ACFT field testing. Males represented 77% of respondents (age 31.3(±8.6) years, body mass index (BMI) 21.3(±4.3) kg/m2), and 23% were female (age 30.0(±7.8) years, BMI 24.1(±3.1) kg/m2). Among male respondents, sleep duration was lower after field testing (p < 0.05). Among males, unit physical fitness calisthenics training was also lower, and resistance training and total exercise were higher after field testing (minutes/week, p < 0.05). Personal physical fitness running and resistance training were higher, and obstacle course training and total exercise were lower after field testing (minutes/week, p < 0.05). Among female respondents, unit physical fitness running was lower and resistance training was higher after field testing, while personal physical fitness resistance training was higher, and obstacle course training and total exercise were lower after field testing (minutes/week, p < 0.05). After field testing, males reported higher injury incidence from resistance training (+10.8%, p < 0.01) and lower injury incidence from running (-11.8%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in specific physical training modalities may lead to changes in activities associated with injury. Proper exercise technique, periodization, individualization, and recovery education are recommended to reduce injury incidence when a new physical training program is implemented.