(P32-006-23) Healthy Eating Scores are Positively Associated With Physical Fitness in Military Personnel

Objectives: Diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index, is positively associated with physical performance and fitness in elite US Army Soldiers. Whether the Healthy Eating Score (HES-7), which was recently developed as an expedient proxy for determining adherence to dietary guidelines among military personnel, is likewise associated with physical fitness is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the association between HES-7, BMI, sleep duration, physical activity and physical fitness as measured by the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) among US Army Soldiers.

Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 483 active-duty Soldiers and Cadets (74% enlisted, 87% male, 26 ± 6yr, BMI 26 ± 4 kg/m²) from three Army installations completed the Military Eating Behavior Survey (MEBS). HES-7 (range: 0-35), 6-event ACFT (range: 0-600), BMI, sleep duration, and physical activity were determined from MEBS responses. Physical fitness was defined as the aggregate score from all ACFT events, which collectively assess both aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

Results: The average ACFT and HES-7 scores were 496 ± 61 and 18 ± 5, respectively. Average time spent being physically active and sleeping was 89 ± 68 min/d and 362 ± 78 min/d, respectively. In a multivariate-adjusted linear regression model, each one-point increase in HES-7 was associated with a 2.2 point increase in ACFT score (p < 0.001). Compared to those in the highest quartile of HES-7 scores (23-34), those in the lowest quartiles (HES-7 scores: 1^st quartile = 0-14, 2^nd quartile = 15-18), reported 30 (p < 0.001) and 19 point (p=0.004) lower ACFT scores, respectively. BMI, sleep duration, and time spent in physical activity were not significantly associated with ACFT score.

Conclusions: A higher HES-7, indicative of a healthier diet, was positively associated with physical fitness in this sample of Soldiers. Findings support the use of HES-7 as an expedient screening tool for identifying Soldiers who may benefit from interventions that aim to improve diet quality. Further research is needed to determine if such interventions are effective for improving physical fitness.

Funding Sources: USARMDC