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Self-perceived readiness and objective performance represent distinct but complementary aspects of military readiness in ROTC cadets

This exploratory mixed-methods study of 25 ROTC cadets found few significant correlations between self-perceived readiness (measured by ARMS) and objective performance on a dual-task treadmill protocol. Qualitative findings revealed that cadets view readiness as multidimensional, influenced by sleep, fitness, nutrition, emotional regulation, commitment, and mindset, suggesting that self-perceived readiness and objective performance capture different facets of readiness.

Last updated: Aug 8, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The Relationship Between ROTC Cadets' Perceived Readiness and Performance in Dual-Task Treadmill Protocol.

observational

Ochoa L, Dredge G, Stone E, Torp D, Heebner NR, Fleischer A, Subedi M, Skubik-Peplaski C, Hoch MC · Military medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Single visit
Intervention: Dual-task treadmill protocol combining progressive physical exertion with 330 executive function tasks
Outcome: Self-perceived readiness (ARMS score), cognitive accuracy (Stroop score), endurance, perceived exertion, perceptual-cognitive control (Single Leg Memory Hop)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: 25 physically active ROTC cadets (11 males, 14 females; mean age 19.5) from a large university

Result:

PubMed: 42550009DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usag357

Mechanism Graph

Cadets completed ARMS and surveys assessing pain, stress, and mental fatigue
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Performed dual-task treadmill protocol with progressive exertion and executive function tasks
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Completed Single Leg Memory Hop before and after treadmill testing
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Qualitative interviews revealed multidimensional conceptualization of readiness
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Few significant correlations between ARMS and objective performance, but subscales showed moderate associations with endurance and perceived exertion

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=25) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Exploratory design with correlational statistics, no causal inference
  • ⚠Single visit protocol may not capture day-to-day variability in readiness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Acute Readiness Monitoring Scale (ARMS)?▼

ARMS is a 32-item self-report tool used to measure self-perceived readiness, including subscales related to physical and cognitive states.

Did higher self-perceived readiness lead to better performance on the dual-task protocol?▼

No, the study found few significant relationships between overall ARMS scores and objective performance outcomes, though some ARMS subscales showed moderate associations with endurance and perceived exertion.

How did cadets define readiness?▼

Cadets described readiness as multidimensional, influenced by sleep, physical fitness, nutrition, emotional regulation, commitment, and mindset.

What is the practical implication of this study for military readiness assessment?▼

The findings suggest that self-perceived readiness and objective performance may capture different aspects of readiness, so both should be considered in developing comprehensive readiness assessment tools.

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References

  1. 1.Ochoa L, Dredge G, Stone E, Torp D, Heebner NR, Fleischer A, Subedi M, Skubik-Peplaski C, Hoch MC. "The Relationship Between ROTC Cadets' Perceived Readiness and Performance in Dual-Task Treadmill Protocol.." Military medicine, 2026. PMID: 42550009 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usag357
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.