Simple anthropometric and physical performance tests to predict maximal box-lifting ability

Box-lifting ability is an important characteristic of military personnel. The purpose of this paper was to determine the usefulness of the upright row free weight exercise, and simple anthropometric tests, to predict maximal box-lifting performance that simulates the loading of military supply vehicles. Two groups of adults performed maximal box lifts to 1.4 m (study one) and 1.7 m (study two) respectively. All subjects were also tested for upright row 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength, body mass, height and body composition. In study one, a remarkably good prediction of maximal box-lift performance to 1.4 m (42 ? 12 kg) was obtained from a regression equation including the variables body mass, body composition and upright row 1RM. Approximately 95% of the variation in 1.4 m box-lifting performance could be accounted for. In contrast, in study two, only 80% of the variation in 1.7 m box-lifting performance (51 ? 15 kg) could be accounted for by the best predictor equation. Upright row 1RM strength appears to be a useful tool in the prediction of box-lifting ability to approximately chest height for most adults, probably due to a close match between the muscle groups and contraction modes required during both tasks. Military or other organizations could use the data reported here to substitute simple anthropometry and a 1RM test of strength and for the direct assessment of 1.4 m box-lifting performance.