Evaluation of Military Optimal Performance Challenge (MOPC) Test in Military Students at a Training Center, Tehran, Iran

Improving the quality of physical exercise and military tests is critical to improving the physical fitness of members of the military. The purpose of this study was to evaluation of Military Optimal Performance Challenge (MOPC) test in military students.
This research was a quasi-experimental study performed in 2017. The study population included 60 military students at a training center of Tehran, Iran (24 to 39 years) who were selected by cluster random sampling. The variables of weight (using the Seca scale, minimum clothing and accuracy of 0.1 kg), height (without shoes, in standard condition with accuracy of 0.1 cm by irreversible tape measure), heart rate and oxygen consumed were measured in subjects. Participants fully and properly performed the obstacles to 7's tests (4827 meter running, mobility for battle, Bench Press, Horizontal bar, Ankles to the Bar, Back Squat, Simulated Casualty Evacuation Test), and reliability was evaluated based on internal correlation test (Cronbach alpha). Analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.
The mean weights and heights of students was 81.90 kg and 174.56 cm, respectively and the means of oxygen consumption participants during test was 39.13 ml/kg/min. Also resting heart rate was reported between 61 to 115 beats per minute. Based on the inner correlation (Cronbach's alpha) between MOPC test items, the results showed the reliability of this test is highly acceptable (Cronbach's alpha 0.709). The Simulated Casualty Evacuation Test was significantly associated with four sub-tests (Bench press: P=0.0001and r= -0.473, pull-up: P=0.011 and r= -0.325, Squat: P=0.0001 and r= -0.485, ankles to the bar: P=0.0001 and r= -0.448).
According to accurate and complete of MOPC test package compared to other similar test, this test package as a standard model, has possibility to perform and implement to raise the level of military power.