title: Can simple anthropometric and physical performance tests track training-induced changes in load-carriage ability?
abstract: The objective of this research was to determine whether tests of strength, endurance, and anthropometry could be used to assess training-induced changes (delta) in load-carriage performance. Eighty-four British Army recruits completed a 10-week training program. Strength, endurance, body composition, and 3.2-km load carriage with 15 kg and 25 kg were assessed before and after training. Training significantly increased load-carriage performance (7-16%), back extension and dynamic lifting strengths, endurance and fat-free mass, and reduced body fat. Statistically significant regression models (adjusted R2 of 0.063-0.797) were produced that predicted delta load-carriage performance. However, the 95% limits of agreement between observed and predicted delta load-carriage data showed margins of error (11-15%) comparable to the average training-induced gains in performance. Training-induced changes in load-carriage performance appear to be highly specific, which suggests that both training and testing procedures should also be specific to load-carriage performance.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester Metropolitan University, Alsager, UK.
authors.forename: Alun G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Mark P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Rayson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D004739:England; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*