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Excerpt
New US Army recruits who do not pass a basic fitness test prior to Basic Combat Training (BCT) enter the Fitness Assessment Program (FAP). The FAP provides these low-fit recruits with a 1–3 week conditioning program prior to entering the BCT cycle.
Previous studies have shown that low physical fitness is a risk factor for attrition (Knapik, Milit Med 166:641, 2001) and for training-related injuries (Jones, Sports Med 27:111, 1999) in Basic Combat Training (BCT); however, the effectiveness of the FAP pre-conditioning program before BCT has not been established. Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the FAP in terms of attrition, fitness, and injuries during BCT. Methods: Two cohorts of female trainees who failed the basic fitness test were compared. One cohort completed the FAP before BCT (FAP Group n = 94) while another cohort entered BCT without the FAP (Not-FAP Group, n = 73). Attrition from BCT was obtained from the training units. Fitness was measured with the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) consisting of push-ups (PU), sit-ups (SU) and a 2-mile run. Success or failure on the APFT is based on normative age and gender-adjusted standards. Injuries were obtained from a medical surveillance system that captured trainee outpatient visits to medical treatment facilities. Results: Attrition from BCT was substantially higher in the Not-FAP group (48% vs 31%, p = 0.02). There was no group difference on the proportion of trainees who failed the APFT at the end of training (FAP = 11%, Not FAP = 9%, p = 0.60) but this test was only taken by trainees who completed BCT. Survival analysis (Cox regression) indicated a trend toward a higher injury rate in the Not-FAP group (relative risk (Not-FAP/FAP) = 1.3, 95% confidence interval = 0.9–2.0). Conclusion: The FAP, as it is currently structured, reduces attrition during BCT and may lower injury risk. The effect on physical fitness could not be determined because of attrition.
