The Association Between Body Composition and Performance on Military Fitness Tests

ABSTRACT: Feeney, KA, Melton, BF, Ryan, GA, Bland, HW, and Butler, CR. The association between body composition and performance on military fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): 94-98, 2025-Body composition and physical testing are important considerations for military personnel. However, limited research exists on the potential relationship between these 2 factors. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to examine the correlations between several body composition measures and performance on the components of 2 separate fitness tests in Air Force special warfare candidates. Within the cohort of candidates, 1,036 completed body composition testing, 1,002 completed a calisthenic-based fitness test, and 562 completed a fitness test designed to mimic occupational tasks. Analysis of Pearson correlations indicated that the calisthenic-based test weakly favored candidates with lower body mass and body fat levels on the lower end of that found within the cohort studied, while a higher score on the occupational-based test was linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and lower absolute and relative body fat levels. Individual components of the occupational-based test favored different body composition relationships. A large negative association was seen between the farmer's carry time and SMM (r = -0.53) and a moderate negative association between farmer's carry time and body mass (r = -0.46), p < 0.01. The weight lifted during 3-RM deadlift demonstrated moderate positive associations with body mass (r = 0.49), BMI (r = 0.50), and SMM (r = 0.49), p < 0.01. These results suggest that individuals in physically active military roles should maximize SMM while managing body fat levels.