The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT): A Review of the Literature

This paper examines the literature on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) as a measure of aerobic capacity and muscular strength/endurance. The APFT consists of a two-mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups. The two-mile run is a measure of aerobic fitness because this test is highly correlated with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Muscular strength and absolute muscular endurance are highly correlated, justifying the use of a single measurement for both. Studies using factor analysis showed that push-ups and sit-ups have moderate to high factor loadings on various muscular strength/endurance factors. However, there are methodological problems in relating these studies to the APFT.