Results of the annual physical examination of the 43rd Airborne Battalion in 2011-2015: A longitudinal study
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the results of the annual physical examination in a sample of soldiers from The 43rd Airborne Battalion. We analyzed the results in a 5-year period, between 2011 and 2015; that is after the introduction of the latest normative decree, which aimed to improve the physical fitness of soldiers in Czech Army.
Using hierarchical linear modeling, we focused in detail on soldiers' performance in Cooper running test and repeated pull-ups. The results revealed that, following the introduction of new testing standards, the soldiers' performance in both observed tests did not change fundamentally.
For soldiers over the age of 30, the performance was almost constant during the whole time period with a mean of approximately 2,800 meters in Cooper test and 11 repetitions in pull-ups. Significant positive improvements in both tests were observed only in the youngest group of soldiers (up to 30 years).
The mean for this group has improved from 2,900 to 3,000 meters and from 12 to 14 reps in Cooper and pull-up test, respectively. The results are discussed with respect to the nature of our research sample (individuals possessing above-average fitness).
It can be concluded, that across the board application of the same norms, standards and goals may not necessarily be effective at all levels of the Czech army (elite vs. other units, younger vs. older soldiers, etc.).