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The current U.S. Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT) measures aerobic fitness and muscular endurance via a 11⁄2 mile run and curl-up/push-up tests, respectively. Nine new modalities were recommended to either replace or supplement the current PRT. Personnel and civilians (N = 179) were recruited from a local Navy base and participated in all modalities (duplicate if possible) over 4 weeks following familiarization sessions. Subjects performed single-leg plank, single-leg wall squat, cadence push-ups, leg/hip dynamometer, standing long jump, and pro-agility test. Cardiovascular modalities were also performed via the 300-yard shuttle, 2-km row, and 5-km bike. Performance in the modalities was correlated to the subjects’ existing PRT scores as well as within the new modalities. Although most modalities could not be concretely recommended, the plank and wall squat were eliminated from consideration because of poor reliability scores. The strongest correlation existed between the standing long jump and pro-agility test for the entire sample. Correlation scores were also analyzed by gender. The cardiovascular modalities did not have strong enough scores to elicit a recommendation to replace the 11⁄2 mile run, but future considerations for similar testing would be to collect scores for the existing modalities in addition to the proposed modalities. INTRODUCTION The U.S. Navy Physical Fitness Assessment includes the Body Composition Assessment and the Physical Readiness Test (PRT). The Physical Fitness Assessment is designed to biannually assess the minimum level of fitness required for Naval service. The Physical Fitness Assessment is also done, in part, to promote a culture of physical fitness in the Navy. Stemming from directives and Department of Defense Instructions (DoDI), the PRT was designed to apply physical fitness programs with age-adjusted standards for all personnel. Although stamina and cardiorespiratory endurance were originally designated to receive the major emphasis, the DoD has also included a recommendation for strength testing as part of its evolving “Physical Fitness andWeight Control Program. ” Obesity and lack of fitness are major issues plaguing the American population including recruits entering the U.S. Armed Forces. The current PRT is an assessment of the aerobic fitness and muscular endurance of Sailors, but the relative ease of the individual assessment criteria and the cyclical nature of testing have failed to reinforce good lifestyle choices among some Sailors. Multiple amendments have been made to the original PRT since its inception, including numerous alterations on the tested modalities, risks involved, and contingencies for failing the test. There are numerous difficulties in developing the PRT, not limited to a lack of “gold standard” tests for the physical attributes of interest, particularly tests that can be carried out with large numbers of subjects in a field setting with minimal, portable equipment. Currently, the PRT battery consists of curl-ups (maximum in 2 minutes), push-ups (maximum in 2 minutes), and a 11⁄2 mile run. As optional alternatives to the run, the PRT utilizes a 12-minute elliptical, a 12-minute bike test, or a 500-yard/ 450-m swim. By testing new modalities to either replace or supplement the existing components, it is likely that an improved PRT may be developed that encourages consistent training, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and more accurately assesses the physical readiness of Sailors. This investigation was designed to examine the feasibility of new testing modalities that may help the U.S. Navy enhance its goal of establishing a culture of fitness among Sailors and meet the requirements of DODI 1308.3. We examined aspects of fitness that are not currently tested in the PRT, such as anaerobic power, anaerobic capacity, and agility. If the current PRT has not fostered optimal exercise habits, we believe that perhaps new tests that utilize multiple energy systems and various components of fitness would promote the incorporation of more appropriate lifestyle exercise practices. METHODS Both active duty military and civilian, male and female volunteers aged 18 and older, were recruited from a local base to participate in testing. Participants were recruited via e-mail, word-of-mouth, and coordination with local command fitness leaders. An attempt was made to have representation in each gender and age category listed in the Chief of Naval Operations Instructions (OPNAVINST) 6011.1J, and no compensation was given for participation. Even though there were only a small number of civilian participants, they had similar fitness levels to the active duty personnel. The first session preceded any actual testing and included explanation of the testing procedures, completion of both written informed consent and the standard five-question *The University of Memphis, 171 Elma Roane Fieldhouse, Memphis, TN 38152. †Navy Personnel Command, Attn: OPNAV N135F, Physical Readiness Program, 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38053. Information from this article was used in Paul Whitehead’s master’s thesis defense. doi: 10.7205/MILMED-D-12-00127 MILITARY MEDICINE, Vol. 177, November 2012 1417 D ow naded rom http/academ ic.p.com /m ilm ed/article-ab77/11/1417/4345589 by gest on 16 M arch 2020 prephysical activity questionnaire, and test-item practice supervised by the official testing staff. Our university’s Committee for Human Subject Research approved the study. The study also received approval from the Navy Institutional Review Board. During the preliminary session, all potential participants had the opportunity to ask and have answered any questions concerning the nature of subsequent testing. Subjects participated in a total of six sessions over 4 weeks, performing each proposed modality in duplicate, if possible, including a 10-day interval between repeat testing bouts. All sessions were administered in similar order/fashion as the current PRT (warm-up, strength/speed events, muscular endurance events, cardiovascular event, and cool-down) as dictated by OPNAVINST 6110.1J. After performing the standardized PRT warm-up, individuals had 5 minutes to perform an individual warm-up and stretching as needed. Once participants were adequately warmed up, the day’s testing commenced. Description of the tests is as follows. Single-Leg Plank Test for Time The single-leg plank test for time (PLANK) was proposed to assess the muscular endurance of the abdominal and surrounding musculature. It was proposed as a potential replacement for the existing curl-up test as curl-ups and sit-ups have been reported to be possible causes for lowerback injuries. The position of the plank exercise (Fig. 1) has been shown to alleviate the pressure on the low back, while also providing an active position for the musculature of the abdomen area. Subject maintained the PLANK with the foot of the dominant leg on the deck until failure while the nondominant leg rested on top of the dominant leg, with one verbal warning on form (deviation from a straight body) before the test was terminated. Dominant leg was determined by asking the participant which leg they would use to kick a ball. Single-Leg Wall Squat The single-leg wall squat test (SQUAT) was proposed to quantify unilateral lower-body muscular endurance. As can be seen in Figure 2, the subject folded arms across chest while the hip and dominant knee were each held at approximately 90 degrees. The contralateral leg was lifted approximately 5 cm from the floor, and this position was held for maximum time. The test was terminated when the subject broke form, either with the 90-degree positions or lowered the contralateral leg back to the deck. U.S. Coast Guard Academy Push-Up Test (Cadence Push-Up) The cadence push-up test (CADENCE) is a 2-minute test of muscular endurance where participants alternate between up and down positions (Fig. 3) of the push-up on each 1-second count (maximum of 60 push-ups). The subject was instructed to maintain a straight line position from the head to the hips to the legs during the “up” position, and they were instructed to reach a depth of chin-to-deck during the “down” position. This modality provides a more strict testing procedure than the currently used push-up test. Although the U.S. Coast Guard testing criteria is the same for both genders (i.e., front leaning rest position), we opted to allow female participants to perform the push-ups on their knees in expectation of having the performance values for genders be more similar.