Influence of Sports Medicine Teams on Physical Fitness in U.S. Army Soldiers

Introduction: The U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) System addresses soldier readiness. One of the five domains of the H2F System is physical readiness. With the goal of optimizing physical performance and preventing injury, U.S. Army brigades were provided with physical training equipment, training facilities, and sports medicine teams (SMTs). This investigation assessed the effects of SMTs on soldiers' physical performance. Methods: A survey collected demographics and physical training time over a 1-yr period. Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) data were acquired through a surveillance system. Initial and follow-up ACFT performances were available for 399 male soldiers. Soldiers were divided into two groups: those with SMTs (SMT group, n = 323) and those without SMTs (no SMT group, n = 76). Multivariable linear regression was used to determine ACFT event performance estimates. Results: The SMT group spent more time resistance training (57.8 ± 58.4 vs 40.8 ± 36.5 min·wk −1 , P < 0.01) and less time performing calisthenics (36.9 ± 41.2 vs 53.2 ± 51.5 min·wk −1 , P = 0.04) compared with the no SMT group. Regression models revealed improved performance for the SMT group compared with no SMT group for all ACFT events: Deadlift +17.8 (±5.8) lb, standing power throw +0.31 (±0.14) m, hand release push-ups +2.7 (±1.2) repetitions, sprint-drag-carry −0.11 (±0.03) min or 7 s faster, leg tuck +1.4 (±0.47) repetitions, and 2-mile run −0.51 (±0.18) min or 31 s faster ( P ≤ 0.03). Conclusion: After training for approximately 1 yr, soldiers with SMTs showed greater physical performance improvements compared with soldiers without SMTs.