From Test to Task: Relevance of Basic Physical Fitness Metrics in the Context of Military-Specific Performance

Abstract

Maleček, J, Malíř, R, Mašek, D, Matoušek, O, Ojanen, T, Oláh, V, Omcirk, D, Šimsa, J, Tufano, J, Vágner, M, and Třebický, V. From test to task: Relevance of basic physical fitness metrics in the context of military-specific performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—Physical fitness assessments, such as push-ups, sit-ups, and 12-minute runs, remain central to military readiness evaluation; however, their capacity to explain variance in military-specific task performance remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the relationship between these physical fitness assessments and performance in 6 simulated military-specific tasks. Twenty-nine physically active men (mean age = 22.6 years, SD = 3.0) completed the following fitness tests: maximal oxygen uptake (V̇

₂ max), body composition, aerobic endurance (12-minute run), anaerobic agility (shuttle run), muscular endurance (push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups), explosive power (countermovement jump, seated medicine ball throw), grip strength, and maximal strength (1-repetition maximum hexagonal barbell deadlift). In addition, 6 military-specific tasks were performed in standardized 10.4-kg combat gear: 2 km loaded march, casualty drag, maximal single lift of a military pack, repeated lift and carry, modified fire and movement, and water can carry. Among the assessments, the only consistent field predictor was the 12-minute Cooper run, which related to both the 2 km loaded march ( β = −0.233, [–0.327 to −0.140]) and repeated lift and carry ( β = −0.062, [–0.089 to −0.034]). By contrast, strength and power measures were more task-specific: maximal single lift was associated with the seated medicine ball throw ( β = 0.112, [0.046 to 0.179]) and grip strength ( β = 0.685, [0.147 to 1.222]), while modified fire and movement time aligned with shuttle-run performance ( β = 0.963, [0.204 to 1.721]). These results suggest that military-specific tasks may provide a more valid criterion for occupational performance, with limited added predictive value of traditional tests beyond the Cooper run.