Research Review: Study Finds Gender-Neutral ACFT Scores More Accurately Reflect Fitness in ROTC Cadets Than Traditional Scoring

By Jackson Mann

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front):

This study examined how the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) scoring structures correlate with laboratory-based assessments of physical fitness in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. Researchers compared raw, composite, gender-neutral, and z-score versions of ACFT scores to a variety of standardized fitness measures, including aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, maximal strength, body composition, and movement efficiency. Findings revealed that while the raw and gender-neutral scores correlated strongly with multiple fitness domains, the current sex-based composite scoring structure significantly weakened these associations. The study suggests that evaluating cadets using raw or gender-neutral scoring may provide a more accurate reflection of physical fitness and better inform training programs.

Purpose of the Study:

The primary aim was to investigate how well the ACFT—designed to evaluate both anaerobic and aerobic fitness—reflects actual physiological capabilities as measured in a controlled laboratory environment. Researchers wanted to determine whether the ACFT scoring systems accurately differentiate physical performance and whether any version of the test better correlates with objective measures of strength, power, endurance, and body composition. Given ongoing adjustments to the ACFT, this study provides valuable insight into whether the scoring method currently used serves its intended purpose.

Methods:

To examine the relationship between Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) performance and standardized laboratory-based measures of fitness, the researchers conducted an observational study with 19 Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets (13 men and 6 women). Cadets were actively enrolled in their university ROTC program and participated regularly in Physical Readiness Training (PRT). Participants volunteered to complete a comprehensive battery of tests scheduled in conjunction with the cadets’ routine ACFT. Testing took place at the Human Performance Laboratory over two sessions to reduce the effects of fatigue and ensure high data quality.

The laboratory battery included tests assessing aerobic capacity, anaerobic power and capacity, body composition, muscular strength, and movement efficiency. On the first day, cadets completed a series of neuromuscular and power-related assessments between 0500 and 0700 during their regular PRT window. This included the Fusionetics Movement Efficiency Screening, a series of three maximal countermovement jumps (CMJ) using force plates, an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) performed on a Smith Machine to assess maximal lower-body force production, and a 30-second Wingate anaerobic capacity test on a cycle ergometer. Adequate rest intervals (at least 5 minutes) were provided between each test.

On a separate day, participants completed anthropometric and body composition measurements using a 3-compartment model combining air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD), bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS), and total body mass. Cadets wore spandex clothing and swim caps to standardize BOD POD testing, and thoracic gas volume was predicted using manufacturer settings. The final body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated using the Siri 3-compartment equation. Fat-free mass (FFM) was also derived from these data.

To assess aerobic fitness, cadets underwent a graded exercise test (GXT) on a treadmill with continuous respiratory gas analysis (Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400). After a 4-minute warm-up at a 5–10% grade, the treadmill grade increased by 2.5% every 2 minutes until volitional fatigue. Speed was fixed at 11.26 km/h for men and 10.46 km/h for women unless otherwise requested. The highest rolling 30-second average of oxygen uptake was recorded as the peak VO₂ (VO₂peak), representing aerobic capacity.

All cadets also completed the ACFT, which consists of six events: three-rep max deadlift (MDL), standing power throw (SPT), hand-release push-ups (HRP), sprint-drag-carry (SDC), plank (PLK), and a timed two-mile run (2MR). Events were administered and scored by ROTC cadre using official Army procedures, and rest intervals between events followed standardized protocols. In addition to the official age- and sex-adjusted composite scores, researchers recalculated scores using a gender-neutral scale by applying male scoring standards for all cadets aged 17–21.

Key Findings:

When ACFT performance was analyzed using raw or gender-neutral scores, significant associations were found with almost every fitness domain. VO₂peak, relative peak anaerobic power, lower body strength, fat-free mass, and body fat percentage all strongly correlated with ACFT performance. Conversely, when composite scores based on sex and age were used, these associations diminished, in many cases becoming statistically insignificant. The plank and maximum deadlift were most affected by ceiling effects; a large proportion of cadets scored the maximum in these events, limiting their value in differentiating high performers. Importantly, gender-neutral scores and z-scores were nearly identical in their ability to reflect laboratory-tested fitness traits, suggesting that these approaches may better preserve the integrity of multi-domain fitness assessments.

Interpretation & Significance:

This study underscores the limitations of the current ACFT composite scoring system, particularly its reduced sensitivity in reflecting true physical differences once stratified by sex and age. Although implemented with the intent of fairness, this scoring method may inadvertently obscure the physical capabilities the ACFT was designed to measure. In contrast, gender-neutral and z-score-based approaches maintained strong correlations with strength, power, aerobic capacity, and body composition. These findings point to the potential utility of raw or standardized (z-score) scoring models, especially in settings where accurately distinguishing high-performing cadets is critical, such as for specialized training selection or performance tracking. From a practical perspective, these results reinforce the importance of maintaining low body fat, developing aerobic capacity, and building relative power and strength in order to perform well on the ACFT—regardless of how it is scored.

Conclusions:

The ACFT, particularly when interpreted using raw or gender-neutral scores, is a valid reflection of a wide range of physical fitness attributes. However, the sex-based composite scoring system currently in use dilutes its capacity to discriminate physical capability, especially in smaller or mixed-gender cohorts. This may have implications for performance-based selection and training adjustments. The findings support further evaluation of ACFT scoring structures to ensure they align with the Army’s intent to holistically and objectively measure operational fitness.

Source:

1. Dobbs, W.C., Almonroeder, T.G., Carpenter, M., Schmitt, R.E., Jacobson, A.K., Luedke, J.A., Roberts, B.M., & Jagim, A.R. (2025). Relationships Between the Army Combat Fitness Test Scoring Structure and Laboratory Measurements of Physical Fitness in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 39(7), 798–808.