Measuring Motivation and Performance on the Army Physical Fitness Test in North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationships between a soldiers’ type of motivation to complete the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and their performance on the APFT. In research most self-determined (MSD) forms of motivation have been associated with more positive performance outcomes than least self-determined (LSD) forms of motivation. METHODS: 208 soldiers completed a survey regarding motivation and performance on the APFT. A Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation was performed between motivation and APFT performance outcomes. Significance was set at alpha ≤0.05 RESULTS: As participants’ MSD scores increased, the following variables improved: current APFT score, current APFT passing status, and APFT failure history. Additionally, as MSD motivation increased the following variables decreased: number of APFT’s failed, and LSD motivation. Finally, as participants LSD motivation increased their current APFT score decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Participants who report higher levels of internal motivation towards the AFPT show more positive performance outcomes on the APFT.