The Strength Aptitude Test

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The Strength Aptitude Test

• Beth Rogers
• General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems
• Joseph A. Pellettiere, PhD
• 711th Human Performance Wing
• Air Force Research Laboratory

Presentation for TAG 59, 5-8 May 2008, Destin FL
Distribution C Distribution authorized to U.S.
Government agencies and their contractors only.
Administrative/Operational use. (May 2008).
Requests for this document shall be referred to
AFRL/RHPA, 2800 Q St, WPAFB OH 45433-7947.
DESTRUCTION NOTICE Destroy by any method that
will prevent disclosure of the contents or
reconstruction of the document.
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OverviewStrength Aptitude Test (SAT)

• A classification tool for matching the physical
  strength abilities of individuals with the
  physical demands of Air Force jobs (AFS)
• Objectively defined and gender-free
  classification tool
• Administered to all new recruits
• Part of their pre-induction examinations at the
  Military Entrance Processing Stations

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HISTORY

• Objective To ensure that physically demanding
  jobs are adequately staffed, to match recruits to
  jobs.
• 1975 Experts defined the Factor X weight lift
  test
• 1976 Interim three-level lifting test was
  implemented while a thorough research and
  development program was conducted
• 1981 Factor X test was revised
• Updated based on preliminary findings of the
  on-going research program

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HISTORY (contd)

• 1987 Secretary of the Air Force implemented the
  Strength Aptitude Test (SAT)
• 1997 Developed substitute test so Fitness
  Centers can give test using free weights
  (barbells)

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STRENGTH APTITUDE TEST (SAT)

• Test procedure detailed in MEPCOM Reg 40-3
• SAT re-test performed during classification at
  Basic Training, Lackland AFB TX
• SAT re-test required if transferring to a more
  demanding job
• Administered by Fitness Center Personnel
• Uses free weights (barbells)

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SAT

• Each AFS has a minimum strength criterion which
  is a prerequisite for admission to that AFS
• Listed in Air Force Enlisted Classification
  Directory (AFECD)
• Based on objectively measured physical demands
• Considers all types of tasks (lifting, carrying,
  pushing, etc.)
• Considers the size of the object handled, as well
  as the type and height of the lift, handles, etc.

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The SAT Procedure

• Test Equipment Incremental lifting machine
  (ILM)
• Similar to exercise equipment in gyms
• Has a great range of lift (1 7.5 feet)
• Weight range 40-200 pounds 10 pound increments
• Several safety features

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Updating the SAT

• SAT criteria are updated per the request of HQ
  AFPC to AFRL
• Reasons for an update
• AFSs have been subdivided or combined to create
  new ones
• The systems and equipment used by the members of
  an AFS have changed

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Updating the SAT

• Resurvey Process
• The Career Field Manager recommends at least 3
  sites to visit
• Gather new data at sites
• Compile task list/analysis report
• Lists are reviewed by CFM to ensure they are
  complete and reasonable
• Compute the recommended criterion
• Recommend new criterion to HQ AFPC based on
  analysis results and any exceptional
  circumstances of the AFS
• HQ AFPC coordinates any changes

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Updating the SAT

• Type of data is collected at each site
• For 1st Term Airmen peacetime, deployment,
  training duties
• Overview of AFS Structure and organization
• Short interviews of workers regarding how
  physically demanding tasks are performed
• Weights of objects that are lifted, carried or
  held gt 10 lbs
• Push or pull forces gt 10 lbs
• Description of object or task
• Number of people sharing physical demand
• Frequency of task (number of times performed per
  year)
• Percent of Airmen in AFS that perform task (from
  AFOMS)

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Data Collection
EXAMPLE Strength Aptitude Test Physical Demand
Survey Data Collection Form
Object Description WGT Num Perf Freq
Activity Description
Lift/Push/Pull/Carry
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Data Collection and Analysis

• Data elements used for computation
• Task number per AFOMS list
• Object description
• Weight or force of object
• Activity code
• Number of people needed to perform task
• Frequency of task performance
• Percent of 1st Term Airmen performing task

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Computing SAT Criterion

• Weight of each task is converted into equivalent
  performance on the incremental weight lift test
• Conversions based on regression equations
  developed through years of testing with
  incumbents and in the laboratory
• Computed from an average of physically demanding
  tasks (gt 10 pounds)
• Weighted by frequency of performance of a task
  (number of times performed per year)
• Weighted by the percent of AFS Members performing
  a task (gt5)

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Future

• Expand surveys to include injury analysis
• Baseline data at time of resurvey
• Survey members on health/injury reports
• Track changes over time (before/after any
  recommended changes)
• Include Biomechanical Task analysis
• Evaluate current SAT criterion vs. job function

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Methodology
Demographics
Workplace Investigations
VA Disability Workers Compensation
Injury Evaluations
High Risk Groups Injuries / Disabilities
Epidemiology
Biomechanics
Injury Data
Anthropometry
Medical Data
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Adjusted Hazard Ratios for Injury
Hospitalizations Among Enlisted USAF Men
Adjusted for race/ethnicity, marital status,
birth year, and deployment with information
management specialists as the reference group.
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Summary

• SAT criteria are kept up-to-date by re-surveying
  and re-measuring the physical demands of career
  fields that have changed.
• Since AFRL is independent of HQ AFPC, it is able
  to provide unbiased analyses of physical demand
• SAT linked with epidemiology to provide not only
  selection and fitness but injury monitoring and
  prevention for improved mission readiness

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Carries








C2 One-Hand Tool Box Carry
C3 Two-Hand Side Carry
C4 Two-Hand Front Carry
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Push/Pull
P1 Low Level Push at or below waist
P2 Low Level Pull below waist
P3 Upper Level Push above waist
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Push/Pull
P4 Upper Level Pull Above Waist
P7 Low Level Vertical Pull
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Lift
L8 Lift Regular Object
L9 Lift Regular Object above head