1.5 mile run time and body mass predict 8 mile loaded march performance, irrespective of sex

ObjectivesTo develop a statistical model to predict 8mile Loaded March (LM) performance and quantify differences in physical characteristics for men and women British Army Personnel.Design135 trained soldiers (87 men; 48 women) completed two sessions, seven days apart.MethodsSession 1: Participants’ stature, body mass, Fat Free Mass (FFM) [by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry], Single Lift (SL), Water Can Carry (WCC), and 1.5mile run performance were measured. Session 2: Participants completed an 8mile LM, carrying 25kg (4miles paced and 4miles individual best effort). Sex differences were compared using independent samples t-tests and 8mile LM performance time was predicted using various multiple linear regression analysis: hierarchical forced entry multiple ordinary least squares, principal component and ordinary least products.ResultsA combination of 1.5mile run time and body mass were the strongest predictors of 8mile LM time (R2=0.71; SEE=4.17min; p0.05). Compared to women, men had faster mean 1.5mile run and LM times, greater body mass and total FFM and higher SL and WCC scores (p