The Basis for Prescribed Ability Group Run Speeds and Distances in U.S. Army Basic Combat Training

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1 MILITARY MEDICINE, 171, 7:669, 2006 The Basis for Prescribed Ability Group Run Speeds and Distances in U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Guarantor: Joseph J. Knapik, ScD Contributors: Joseph J. Knapik, ScD*; Shawn J. Scott, MPT ; Marilyn A. Sharp, MS ; Keith G. Hauret, MPT MSPH*; Salima Darakjy, MPH*; William R. Rieger, MS ; Frank A. Palkoska, MS ; Stephen E. VanCamp, MA ; Bruce H. Jones, MD MPH* During the first few days of Army Basic Combat Training (BCT), recruits take a running test and after completing this test they are ranked from fast to slow. Four roughly equal-sized ability groups are established from these rankings and recruits run together in these groups for their physical training during BCT. In the past, there has been no formal guidance regarding how fast or how far these ability groups should run. To fill this void, this study provides guidance for running speeds and distances during BCT. The major considerations included are: (1) minimizing injuries, (2) the initial aerobic fitness level of recruits, (3) historical improvements in run times during BCT, (4) historical running speeds of the slower individuals in each ability group, (5) running speeds that must be achieved to pass the 2-mile run in BCT, (6) the gender composition of the ability groups, and (7) recommendations from the trainers and field testing. Three databases were analyzed that contained a total of 16,716 men and 11,600 women. Four steps were used in the analyses: (1) establishment of run-time cut points for representative ability groups, (2) determination of initial (starting) run speeds, (3) estimation of changes in run speeds with training, and (4) establishment of run speeds and distances for each week of BCT. Efforts were made to (1) keep the running speeds between 70% and 83% of the estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) for all ability groups, (2) consider the 2-mile running pace of the slower individuals in each ability group, and (3) keep the total running distance for the two slower ability groups below a total of 25 miles, the apparent threshold for increasing injury incidence. A chart provides speeds and distances for each ability group at each week of BCT. Using these recommended speeds and distances should allow trainees to improve their aerobic fitness, pass the Army Physical Fitness Test, and minimize injuries that result in lost training time and, ultimately, lower fitness levels. Introduction ne of the major goals of Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) O is to improve the aerobic fitness of new recruits. Running and interval training are the major training activities whereby this goal is achieved. A key challenge in improving aerobic fitness is the wide variety of initial fitness levels of new recruits. 1 3 Running too slow may cause more highly fit recruits to lose *U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD U.S. Army Physical Fitness School, Fort Benning, GA U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA The views, opinions, and/or findings contained in this report are those of the authors and should not be construed as official Department of the Army position, policy or decision, unless so designated by other official documentation. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. This manuscript was received for review in February The revised manuscript was accepted for publication in August Reprint & Copyright by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., aerobic fitness; running too fast may cause low-fit recruits to drop out of the run or become injured so they actually receive less training. Although the most appropriate solution may be to allow recruits to train individually, this is not possible or practical in the BCT setting. Drill sergeants must supervise the trainees at all times and there are a limited number of drill sergeants assigned to a BCT company. Many recruits are not familiar with exercise intensities necessary to improve aerobic fitness and they may run too fast or too slow if allowed to train on their own. Since at least 1985, 4 the challenge of different initial fitness levels has been addressed by assigning recruits to ability groups. Ability groups are composed of recruits with similar run performances indicative of similar aerobic fitness levels. Ability groups are currently formed on the basis of an initial 1-mile run test usually performed within 1 to 3 days after starting BCT (a 2-mile run was generally performed before 2004). After the run, recruits are ranked from fast to slow; four roughly equal groups are established within each training company. These four groups run at different speeds for aerobic training under the supervision of drill sergeants. Individual soldiers can move into faster ability groups if they develop the capability to run at speeds faster than the ability group to which they are initially assigned. Establishing ability groups is relatively easy. However, after recruits are assigned to ability groups for running, there is no formal guidance on the speeds or distances for these groups to optimally improve aerobic fitness. Trainers typically run at speeds and distances that are comfortable for them or based on their experience with past BCT cycles. In 2003, Lieutenant General Dennis Cavin (Commander, U.S. Army Accessions Command) mandated the development of a standardized physical training program for all Army BCT. The U.S. Army Physical Fitness School (USAPFS) was tasked with the development of this standardized physical training program which is described in separate reports. 5,6 As part of this standardization, the USAPFS worked with the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine and the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine to develop ability group running speeds and distances. The purpose of this report was to present the evidence-based process used to establish speeds and distances for different ability groups in Army BCT. The interest in establishing set running speeds and distances stemmed from the facts that (1) too many miles of running in military basic training appeared to be associated with higher injury risk and these extra miles do not appear to further enhance fitness, 5,7 11 and (2) that there was 669

2 670 Basis for Group Run Speeds in Combat Training a need to optimally improve the fitness of trainees who arrive at BCT with different initial levels of aerobic fitness. Literature Review Running Distances and Injuries Associated with BCT and Running An injury can be broadly defined as an event (usually an exchange of energy) that results in physical damage to the body. 12 During BCT, 19% to 42% of men and 42% to 67% of women are injured at least once. 13,14 Low levels of aerobic fitness and longer running mileage are both associated with higher injury rates in military basic training. 7,9,10,15,16 Civilian research studies have also found that higher running mileage is associated with higher injury rates BCT training personnel have traditionally run distances longer than necessary to improve aerobic fitness and successfully pass the 2-mile run on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). This assertion is based on basic training studies that have shown that shorter running distances result in similar improvements in run times. 5,7 9 These same studies show that shorter total running distances result in lower injury rates. 5,7 9 Although the literature does not provide a threshold mileage below which injuries are minimized, several studies suggest that total running distances of approximately 25 miles over the course of BCT may be appropriate. One study 7 showed that during 12 weeks of Marine recruit basic training, men running a total of 33 miles had a substantially lower incidence of stress fractures and similar 3-mile run time improvements when compared to a group running 55 miles. If the 33 miles of running in 12 weeks is prorated for the 9-week Army BCT cycle, the total mileage is 25. Another study 8 showed that a BCT battalion running a total distance of 17 miles had lower injury rates and similar improvements in 2-mile run times compared to a battalion that ran a total distance of 38 miles. The lower running mileage battalion in this study also performed some interval training for which mileage was not obtained. A third study 9 compared male Naval recruits assigned to basic training divisions that ran either 12 to 18 miles or 26 to 44 miles. The lower mileage divisions had lower injury rates and 1.5-mile run time improvements that were the same as the higher mileage divisions. Only one investigation has examined the influence of frequency and duration of running on injuries. Injuries increased disproportionately with little additional fitness improvements if running was performed more than three times per week or if the amount of time spent running in a single session was 30 minutes. 21 Running Speeds Running speeds necessary to improve aerobic fitness can be based on energy cost, the level of aerobic fitness, and the interaction of the energy cost of running and aerobic fitness. The critical factors to understand are (1) the energy cost of running, (2) the linkage of energy cost and oxygen uptake, (3) how aerobic fitness (maximal oxygen uptake or VO 2 max) is measured, and (4) the proportion of VO 2 max that is necessary to run at to improve running speed. Energy Cost of Running The energy cost of running can be influenced by many factors, among which are running economy, 22,23 footwear, 24,25 training state, 26 muscle fiber type, 27 and environmental factors like wind 28,29 and terrain. 30,31 Despite this, it is possible to get an acceptable estimate of the energy cost of horizontal running (i.e., 0% grade). This estimate is 1 kilocalorie (kcal) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per kilometer (km) run or 0.73 kcal per pound (lb) of body weight per mile run. 32,33 Thus, an average male trainee who weighs 166 lb 34,35 will expend approximately 121 kcal/mile. As running speed increases, the total energy cost of running changes little but the rate of energy expenditure does increase. For example, if an average 166-lb trainee completes a 1-mile horizontal run in 6 minutes, he or she expends energy at a rate of approximately 20.2 kcal/minute (0.73 kcal/lb/mile 166 lb 1 mile/6 minutes). If he or she completes the mile in 10 minutes, the energy expenditure rate is approximately 12.1 kcal/minute. In both cases, the trainees expend a total of approximately 121 kcal/mile. Note that other factors listed above can influence this energy cost. Energy Cost and Oxygen Uptake Oxygen taken up by the body during running is directly related to the energy cost of running. One liter of oxygen consumed by the body is the energy equivalent of approximately 4.85 kcal. 36 This value assumes a near equal use of fats and carbohydrates for energy production. The actual energy equivalent of a liter of oxygen will vary depending on the types of fuel (fats or carbohydrates) used by the body to supply the energy. The range is from 4.69 kcal, assuming utilization of all fats, to 5.05 kcal, assuming utilization of all carbohydrates. 36,37 However, for most purposes, the value 4.85 kcal/liter will be approximately correct. These calculations do not include the resting energy expenditure, which is energy used for basal metabolic functions. Resting energy expenditure can range from approximately 0.8 to 1.4 kcal/minute depending on a number of factors, especially body size. 36 Thus, calculated energy expenditure rates during running would be approximately 1 kcal/minute higher because this resting energy expenditure must be included. The body still maintains basal functions when running. Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Aerobic Fitness Oxygen uptake by the body (VO 2 ) is directly related to energy production as described above. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) is the highest rate at which oxygen can be taken up and used by the body during longer-term exercise 38 like running. The faster the rate at which oxygen can be used, the faster the rate at which energy can be produced and the faster the rate that longer-term physical activity (like running) can be performed. The VO 2 max of an individual is typically measured by progressively and systematically increasing exercise intensity while measuring the difference in oxygen between the air and an individual s expired gases. Oxygen uptake progressively increases as the exercise intensity increases because the rate of energy usage progressively increases. Eventually a point will be reached where the VO 2 will not increase any further despite an increase in the exercise intensity. This highest VO 2 is called the VO 2 max. 36,38

3 Basis for Group Run Speeds in Combat Training An individual with a higher VO 2 max can run for a longer period of time at a higher speed compared to an individual with a lower VO 2 max. To understand this, assume that there are two male recruits (166 lb), one of which has a VO 2 max of 50 ml kg 1 min 1 and another that has a VO 2 max of 40 ml kg 1 min 1. If they are running at 6 mph (10 minutes/ mile), the energy cost of the run is 12.1 kcal/minute. This is equivalent to an oxygen uptake of 36 ml kg 1 min 1. The more fit individual (higher VO 2 max) will be running at 72% VO 2 max (36 of 50) while the less fit individual (lower VO 2 max) will be running at 90% VO 2 max (36 of 40). The fitter individual perceives the exercise as relatively less intense and can, in all likelihood, continue the run for a longer period of time. It should be noted that although VO 2 max is the major determinant of running performance, lactate threshold and running economy are important factors. 39 Improving Aerobic Fitness Based on past training studies, 40,41 the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that to improve or maintain aerobic fitness, individuals should exercise between 60% and 90% of their maximal heart rate or 45% to 85% of the maximal heart rate reserve. 41 This corresponds to approximately 42% to 83% of the VO 2 max. 36 Studies indicate that improvements in aerobic fitness progressively increase as the intensity of training increases from 50% to 100% VO 2 max. The greatest improvements occur at intensities of 90% to 100% of VO 2 max. 40 However, at least three factors advise against running at 90% VO 2 max in BCT. First, it is difficult to maintain running at very high intensities, and trainees in BCT are more likely to drop out of ability group runs and actually receive less training. Second, in any ability group there will be trainees who will be on the lower end of aerobic fitness for that particular group. These individuals will be running at a higher relative intensity than the average for the group and they will have a more difficult time keeping up with the group. Third, lower running intensities can achieve improvements in aerobic fitness without the potential adverse effects of the higher intensities. Considerations in Developing Run Speeds and Distances There were seven major considerations in developing run speeds and distances for BCT. The first consideration was minimizing injuries. The literature suggested that a total running distance of approximately 25 miles during BCT is sufficient to physically condition trainees to pass the running test while minimizing injuries. 7 9 BCT injury incidence is much higher in groups with lower aerobic fitness compared to groups with higher aerobic fitness. 13,16 Furthermore, lower fit individuals appear to show much greater improvements in aerobic fitness during BCT compared to individuals of higher fitness, 2,42 even though the lower fit individuals tend to run at slower speeds and over shorter distances in their ability groups. When the duration of running is 30 minutes per day or the frequency greater than three times per week, injuries appear to increase disproportionately with little additional changes in aerobic fitness. 21 It thus appears important and appropriate to keep the total mileage as low as possible in consonance with improving fitness and to limit the duration and frequency of running. 671 The second consideration in developing run speeds and distances was the initial aerobic fitness levels of recruits. Initial fitness levels were obtained from a previous study 1 in which male and female recruits at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, volunteered for VO 2 max tests before BCT. The initial VO 2 max of the recruits was used to determine the running speeds at the start of training. The third consideration was the changes in the aerobic endurance (run times) of recruits during BCT. Historical changes in aerobic endurance were determined by examining changes in running speeds during BCT in three databases (described later) that contained 2-mile run times on a total of 28,316 male and female trainees at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Two databases contained 2-mile run times at BCT weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. This allowed a systematic look at improvements in run times during the course of BCT. The fourth consideration was the run speed capability of recruits in different ability groups. Slower (less fit) trainees in each ability group should be able to run at the pace prescribed for the ability group they populate. That is, if the 25th percentile trainees ran 2 miles in 15 minutes on their last APFT, they are capable of running in the fastest ability group at a 2-mile pace of 7.5 minutes/mile. This would be very difficult for that person (a maximal effort) but less difficult for the person in the 20th percentile, less difficult yet for the 15th percentile person, and so on (lower percentile is better performance). To determine the running speed of slower individuals in each group, percentile rankings were calculated to determine the running paces of individuals who were at lower performance levels in each ability group. The fifth consideration was the age- and gender-adjusted 2-mile run times required to pass the APFT. 43 The target for the purpose of determining run speed guidance was the 17- to 21-year age group. Analyses of existing databases showed that 70% to 76% of trainees fell into this age range. 34,35 The sixth consideration was the gender composition of the ability groups. In a typical BCT company, both men and women generally populate all four ability groups at the start of training. However, the two faster groups contain a large majority of men and the two slower groups contain a large majority of women. The slowest ability group is composed almost exclusively of women but a few men are generally included in this group. Because of these facts, efforts were made to progress the pace of the slowest ability group to achieve the pace on the female APFT run passing score. 43 The pace progression of the second slowest group was targeted to progress in a manner to achieve the pace of the male passing score on the APFT run. On a practical level, this requires that any men in the slowest ability group move out of that group as soon as possible and into the second slowest group. The trainers must monitor this closely. The seventh and final consideration was the recommendations of the trainers. We consulted with drill sergeants and the command groups of 10 BCT companies over three BCT cycles. We tested and developed the running speeds and distances during these three BCT cycles. A major concern of the trainers was to provide a sufficient challenge for the two most fit ability groups. This was accomplished by increasing the run speeds and distances of the higher fit ability groups beyond that required to enhance fitness and pass the APFT. Past investiga-

4 672 Basis for Group Run Speeds in Combat Training tions suggested that the two fastest ability groups tended to have fewer injuries than the slower ability groups. 16,44 Another major concern of the trainers was that as many trainees as possible pass the final APFT when it is administered during week 7 of training. If a trainee does not pass the week 7 APFT, additional APFTs can be administered but this is a large administrative burden on the trainers. The training schedule was progressed to achieve an adequate running speed to pass the APFT by week 7. Some additional adjustments in speeds and distances were based on specific recommendations of the trainers. Methods Databases Three databases were used in these analyses. Database 1 was obtained from the Directorate of Information Management at Fort Jackson and contained 2-mile run times from four APFTs taken by each recruit during BCT from May 1999 to April There were 15,901 men and 10,794 women in database 1. Database 2 was part of an evaluation of a new physical training program designed for basic trainees 8 and contained 2-mile run times from four APFTs taken during a single BCT cycle conducted from September 21, 2000 through November 23, There were 645 men and 651 women in database 2. Database 3 was from a study examining injury risk factors and changes in physical fitness among recruits. 1,16 The training cycle extended from May 8, 1998 through July 9, Database 3 contained VO 2 max values and 2-mile run times on 170 men and 155 women. The VO 2 max data in database 3 were directly measured using a continuous, uphill treadmill running protocol. 1 Analyses Four steps were used in the analyses. The first step compared the databases and established four representative ability groups using the initial 2-mile run times. The databases were compared by examining ability group averages and ranges for the 2-mile run times. Database 1 served as the reference since it contained the largest number of recruits tested over the longest period of time. We could be relatively sure that the recruit samples in databases 2 and 3 were representative of the larger population of recruits if the ability group ranges and the averages were similar to those in database 1. The second step in the analysis was to determine the initial aerobic fitness levels and the initial (starting) run speeds. The average VO 2 max of individuals in each of the four ability groups was calculated from database 3. Percent VO 2 max (% VO 2 max) values were determined by multiplying the decimal percentage by the VO 2 max value (e.g., 75% VO 2 max 0.75 VO 2 max). To calculate the running speed equivalent to a particular percent VO 2, the following formula was used: Speed (min/mile) 1 kcal/kg km 1 km/0.62 mile 1,000 ml O 2 /4.85 kcal 1/VO 2 ml O 2 kg 1 min 1 ]) (1) Initial running speeds were established between 70% and 83% VO 2 max. The third step in the analysis was to determine changes in 2-mile run times and VO 2 max during BCT. The average changes in 2-mile run times in the ability groups during the course of BCT were determined in the three databases. This defined how much run times could be expected to improve. To estimate the changes in VO 2 max that corresponded with these changes in run times, a regression equation was developed. VO 2 max were regressed on 2-mile run times in database 3. The correlation between 2-mile run time and VO 2 max was 0.69 with a SE estimate of 6.1 ml kg 1 min 1. The resultant regression equation was: Estimated VO 2 max (ml kg 1 min 1 ) mile run time (min) (2) The changes in 2-mile run times in database 1 at weeks 3, 5, and 7 were used to calculate the changes in the estimated VO 2 max at weeks 3, 5, and 7. The fourth and final step in the analysis was to establish run distances and speeds for the duration of BCT. Distances were determined by considering the total amount of running performed in BCT including all running tests and interval training. Efforts were made to keep the total distance of the two slowest groups to approximately 25 miles while allowing more mileage for the two faster groups in consonance with the desires of the trainers. Running speeds were adjusted in an effort to keep the ability groups in the 70% to 83% VO 2 max range based on the new estimated VO 2 max values available at weeks 3, 5, and 7. Speeds were cross-checked by examining the 2-mile run pace of the individuals in the lowest percentiles of each ability group ( 5 percentile rankings). The running pace of slower individuals only served as a secondary check since the actual run distances were often less than or greater than 2 miles. Speeds were primarily determined from equation 1 using a VO 2 in the 70% to 83% VO 2 max range and consistent with keeping the pace to the nearest 0.25 minutes/mile. Few changes in speed were made in ability group A since their run times (and consequently estimated VO 2 max) changed very little. On the other hand, more changes in run speed were made in ability group D since their run times changed substantially, especially early in training. Results Comparison of Databases and Establishment of Representative Ability Groups Table I shows a comparison of the 2-mile run times in the ability groups established independently in the three databases. The mean values were almost identical and, within ability groups, differed by no more than 0.3 minutes across the three databases. The ranges were also similar in all three databases, except for the highest and lowest values where single cases could have large influences. The ability groups established from database 1 were used in the subsequent analyses because database 1 contained the largest number of recruits and the means and ranges in all the databases were similar. Initial Aerobic Fitness and Initial Running Speeds The second step in the analysis was to determine the initial (starting) run speeds. Table II shows the average VO 2 max (column labeled 100% VO 2 max) and some percent VO 2 max

5 Basis for Group Run Speeds in Combat Training 673 TABLE I INITIAL 2-MILE RUN TIMES BY ABILITY GROUPS ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN DATABASES 1, 2, AND 3 Database 1 Database 2 Database 3 Ability Group Mean SD (min) Range (min) Mean SD (min) Range (min) Mean SD (min) Range (min) A (fast) B C D (slow) All groups TABLE II RELATIVE VO 2 MAX (ML KG 1 MIN 1 ) FOR EACH ABILITY GROUP Ability Group 70% VO 2 max 75% VO 2 max 80% VO 2 max 85% VO 2 max 100% VO 2 max A (fast) B C D (slow) Values are mean SD. values for each ability group. The average SD VO 2 max values for the men and women were ml kg 1 min 1 and ml kg 1 min 1, respectively. Average SD VO 2 max values for men and women combined was ml kg 1 min 1. Equation 1 was used to calculate the running speeds equivalent to particular percent VO 2 max values in database 3. Table III shows the possible ranges for the initial running speeds (minutes per mile) for trainees in each ability group at various percent VO 2 max. Initial running speeds were established between 70% and 83% VO 2 max consistent with calculation of speeds to the nearest 0.25 minute/mile. Improvements in 2-Mile Run Times and Estimated VO 2 max during BCT Table IV shows the improvements in 2-mile run times in the three databases. The initial run times within ability groups are similar in all databases but as training progressed, times differed by as much as 0.8 minutes. Improvements in run times in databases 1 and 3 were very similar while changes in database 2 were somewhat smaller. Improvements were greater in slower ability groups compared to faster ability groups. Estimated VO 2 max values were calculated from 2-mile run times in database 1 using equation 2. Table V shows these estimated VO 2 max values along with improvements in the estimated VO 2 max during BCT for each ability group. Comparisons of the actual VO 2 max values in Table II (i.e., 100% VO 2 max) with the estimated initial VO 2 max values in Table V showed that the largest difference was 1.7 ml kg 1 min 1 (ability group A). Table V shows that the changes in estimated VO 2 max during training were progressively larger in slower ability groups. There were larger changes earlier in training and progressively smaller changes later in training. For the purposes of determining run speeds from the VO 2 max data, the actual VO 2 max values served as the starting point (100% VO 2 max values in Table II). The improvements in VO 2 max in Table V were added to these actual VO 2 max values. Table VI shows the VO 2 max values used to assist in adjusting the run speeds. Run Speed Capability Table VII shows the cumulative frequency distributions of 2-mile run times for each of the APFTs in database 1. This table was used to determine the 2-mile run pace of slower trainees in each ability group. It was difficult to establish exact 25th, 50th, 75th, and 100th percentiles consistent with run paces to the nearest 0.25 minute/mile. Because of this, a range of 5 percentile units was used. For ability group A (fastest group), this was a range from the 20th to the 30th percentile, for ability group B, the 45th to 55th percentile, for ability group C, the 70th to 80th percentile, and for ability group D (slowest group), the 90th to the 100th percentile. The target for ability group D was the 95th percentile ( 5 percentile units) because of the fact that this group improved their running speed so rapidly and the 100th percentile was likely to be too slow. TABLE III RUNNING SPEEDS (MINUTES/MILE) AT VARIOUS PERCENTAGES OF VO 2 MAX Ability Group 70% VO 2 max 75% VO 2 max 80% VO 2 max 85% VO 2 max 100% VO 2 max A (fast) B C D (slow) Values are mean SD.

6 674 Basis for Group Run Speeds in Combat Training Database Ability Group TABLE IV CHANGES IN 2-MILE RUN TIMES DURING BCT 2-Mile Run Times (min) a Improvements in 2-Mile Run Times (min) Improvements in Two-Mile Run Initial-Week Initial-Week Time, Initial- Initial Week 3 Week 5 Final b 3 5 Initial-Final Final (%) 1 A (fast) B C D (slow) A (fast) B C D (slow) A (fast) c c d d B c c d d C c c d d D (slow) c c d d a Values are means SD. b Week 7. c Data not collected in this investigation. d Values could not be calculated since data was not collected in this investigation. Ability Group Estimated VO 2 max (ml kg 1 min 1 ) TABLE V IMPROVEMENTS IN ESTIMATED VO 2 MAX IN DATABASE 1 Improvements in Estimated VO 2 max (ml kg 1 min 1 ) Initial Week 3 Week 5 Final a Week 3-Initial Week 5-Week 3 Final-Week 5 Improvements in VO 2 max Final- Initial (%) A (fast) B C D (slow) a Week 7. TABLE VI VO 2 MAX (ML KG 1 MIN 1 ) VALUES USED TO ASSIST IN CALCULATING THE CHANGES IN RUN SPEEDS DURING BCT Ability Group Weeks 1 and 2 Weeks 3 and 4 Weeks 5 and 6 Weeks 7 and 8/9 A (fast) B C D (slow) Training Distances and Speeds Examination of training schedules developed by the USAPFS for the Standardized Physical Training Program 6 showed that there were a total of nine ability group runs over the course of BCT. In addition, there were three fitness tests: a 1-mile run conducted when soldiers arrived for BCT (to establish ability groups) and 2-mile APFT runs at weeks 5 and 7. Speed running (interval training) was part of the standardized program and included 4 to 10 interval repetitions with work:rest ratios of 30:60 seconds and 60:120 seconds. Total estimated distances for these intervals were 5.2, 4.8, 4.3, and 3.9 miles for ability groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. These data were considered in progressing running distances during training. As noted above, the major considerations in developing running distances were (a) keeping the running distance of the two slower ability groups near 25 miles, (b) allowing longer distances for the two fastest ability groups, (c) not exceeding 30 minutes of running per session, and (d) trainer recommendations and field testing in BCT. Table VIII shows the recommended run speed and distance guidance by ability group and week based on the considerations and data discussed above. The total estimated running distances would be 37.4, 34.4, 26.2, and 24.2 miles for ability groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Discussion The present study developed guidance for ability group running speeds and distances based on actual data and a wide variety of considerations. Data included 2-mile run times and

7 Basis for Group Run Speeds in Combat Training 675 TABLE VII CUMULATIVE FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF TRAINEES BY 2-MILE RUN TIMES FROM DATABASE 1 Average Pace for 2-Mile Cumulative Proportion of Trainees (%) 2-Mile Time (min) Run (min/mile) Initial Week 3 Week 5 Final a a Week 7. directly measured VO 2 max data gathered from samples of men and women in basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Consideration was given to initial fitness, changes in fitness, the run speeds of slower individuals in each ability group, assuring that training intensities were sufficient to pass the run portion of the APFT, recommendations of the trainers, and field testing. Running distances were based on minimizing injuries in the two slower ability groups and assured that all trainees at least ran a continuous 2-mile distance before the final APFT at week 7 of BCT. Recruits who performed the VO 2 max test appeared to be representative of the entire population of recruits in terms of their 2-mile run times. When the sample who took the VO 2 max test (database 3) was compared to all recruits at Fort Jackson over a 1-year period (database 1), the initial 2-mile run scores were almost identical and the changes in 2-mile run times were very similar. Since 2-mile run times are highly correlated with VO 2 max, 45 it can also be assumed that the aerobic capacities were very similar in the two groups. Run speeds at week 1 were based on actual VO 2 max values on the representative group of trainees in database 3. Run speeds after week 1 were based on changes in estimated VO 2 max from a regression equation. Since these were estimates, consideration was given to assuring that slower individuals in each ability group were capable of running at the set pace. Adjustments were made for the fact that the paces were 2-mile paces and ability groups would sometimes run distances longer or shorter than 2 miles. Consideration was also given to providing a challenge to the trainees in the faster ability groups. Trainees in faster ability groups ran at paces that were faster than that required to pass the APFT and they were provided longer running distances, especially near the conclusion of BCT. The run speed guidance was actually tested over three BCT cycles and the opinions and concerns of the drill sergeants and other training cadre were considered and incorporated. An attempt was made to establish run speeds between 70% VO 2 max and 83% VO 2 max as recommended by the ACSM. In five cases, the recommended exercise intensity values were slightly exceeded. Ability group A at weeks 5 and 6 slightly exceeded the ACSM exercise intensity recommendation. Cumulative run frequencies showed that 26% of the trainees could run a 7.25 minutes/mile pace for 2 miles by week 5. The distance for ability group A at week 5 was 2.8 miles and this increased to 4.1 miles by weeks 8/9. In this case, deference was given to the trainers who requested longer distances and faster running speeds for this group. Other points that exceeded the ACSM-recommended criterion were weeks 6, 7, and 8/9 for ability group C. A pace near 8.25 minutes/mile was considered important by drill sergeants because this was the average pace necessary to pass the 2-mile run. If ability group C trainees could maintain this pace in training, drill sergeants could have some degree of confidence that trainees would pass the run portion of the APFT. In addition, this pace began to prepare group C trainees for the 60- point 2-mile run time criterion (15.9 minutes for men) necessary to pass the APFT after BCT in advance individual training. This study shows one advantage of having an APFT surveillance system for the routine collection of APFT data. The APFT is given on a regular basis in BCT and twice a year in operational Army units. Databases already exist on many company, battalion, and higher-level computer systems that allow tracking of individual soldier height, weight, push-up, sit-up, and 2-mile

8 676 Basis for Group Run Speeds in Combat Training Training Week Ability Group TABLE VIII ABILITY GROUP RUN SPEED AND DISTANCE GUIDANCE FOR BCT Distance (Miles) Pace (min/mile) Total Run Time (min) Initial %VO 2 max Adjusted %VO 2 max a 1 A (Fast) B C D (Slow) A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D /9 A B C D a Considers changes in estimated VO 2 max from Table VI. run times. Developing an APFT surveillance system would involve standardizing these databases in a user friendly way so individual units can enter and obtain the information they need (e.g., who is overweight, who failed the APFT, who scored higher on the APFT) while the APFT data also enters a broader surveillance system. The broader surveillance system would establish a historical database that could be used for such things as the tracking of fitness over time and specialized analyses as in the present study. In conclusion, we took a broad approach in establishing ability group run speeds and distances. We used information from the literature, physiological data, performance data, times required to pass the 2-mile run, practical recommendations from trainers, and actual field testing to arrive at the speeds and distances for aerobic training in BCT. Using these recommendations should allow trainees to improve their aerobic fitness, pass the APFT, and minimize injuries that result in lost training time and lower fitness levels. Acknowledgments Thanks also to Sarah B. Jones for the technical review of the article and Jeanette F. England for the editorial review. References 1. Sharp MA, Patton JF, Knapik JJ, et al: A comparison of the physical fitness of men and women entering the US Army during the years Med Sci Sports Exerc 2002; 34: Patton JF, Daniels WL, Vogel JA: Aerobic power and body fat of men and women during Army Basic Training. Aviat Space Environ Med 1980; 51: Vogel JA, Patton JF, Mello RP, Daniels WL: An analysis of aerobic capacity in a large United States population. J Appl Physiol 1986; 60: Department of the Army: Physical fitness training. Washington, DC, Headquarters, Department of the Army, Knapik JJ, Darakjy S, Scott SJ, et al: Evaluation of a standardized physical training program for basic combat training. J Strength Cond Res 2005; 19: Department of the Army: Standardized Physical Training Guide. Fort Benning, GA, U.S. Army Physical Fitness School, Shaffer RA: Musculoskeletal injury project. Presentation at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, May 29 to June 1, 1996, Cincinnati, OH. 8. Knapik JJ, Hauret KG, Arnold S, et al: Injury and fitness outcomes during implementation of physical readiness training. Int J Sports Med 2003; 24: Trank TV, Ryman DH, Minagawa RY, Trone DW, Shaffer RA: Running mileage, movement mileage, and fitness in male US Navy recruits. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2001; 33: Jones BH, Cowan DN, Knapik JJ: Exercise, training and injuries. Sports Med 1994; 18: Rudzki SJ: Injuries in Australian Army recruits. Part I. Decreased incidence and severity seen with reduced running distance. Milit Med 1997; 162:

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