Navy physical readiness test scores and body mass index (Spring 2002 cycle)

Physical performance and risk factors from the U.S. Navy physical readiness test (PRT) were analyzed in a retrospective, cross-sectional, population-based study using data from the Spring 2002 cycle. PRT scores were available for 22,314 active duty women and 131,287 men, and risk factor information was available for 4,254 women and 31,503 men. For risk factors, self-reported smoking rates were higher for men than women, and decreased with increasing age. Self-reported rates for elevated cholesterol and joint problems increased with increasing age. Linear regression showed body mass index increased with age for men (constant = 25.6, increasing 0.0,765 per year of age over 18 years, p = 0.000) and were increasing at a lower rate for women (constant 24.5 increasing 0.0,159 per year of age over 18 years, p = 0.000). Increasing body mass index was associated with decreasing PRT performance. This analysis provides population-based information on the PRT risk factors, body mass index, and physical fitness for Navy personnel.