The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the lifting strength of soldiers entering the Army and the physical demands of their job. The muscle strength and body composition of 169 male and 153 female recruits were measured prior to basic training. Each soldier's lifting capacity was compared to the lifting standards of their assigned job. Nearly all soldiers were able to meet the standard for frequent lifting; however, 56% and 77% of women could not meet the standard for occasional lifting in the heavy (45.4 kg) and very heavy (>45.4 kg) physical demand category, respectively.
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