Re-evaluating the Need for Routine Maximal Aerobic Capacity Testing within Fighter Pilots.

INTRODUCTION: There is a current belief in aviation suggesting that aerobic training may reduce G-tolerance due to potential negative impacts on arterial pressure response. Studies indicate that increasing maximal aerobic capacity (V˙o2 max) through aerobic training does not hinder G-tolerance. Moreover, sustained centrifuge training programs revealed no instances where excessive aerobic exercise compromised a trainee's ability to complete target profiles. The purpose of this review article is to examine the current research in the hope of establishing the need for routine V˙o2-max testing in air force pilot protocols.METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, the Aerospace Medical Association, and Military Medicine was conducted. Keywords related to "human performance," "Air Force fighter pilots," "aerobic function," and "maximal aerobic capacity" were used in various combinations. Articles addressing exercise physiology, G-tolerance, physical training, and fighter pilot maneuvers related to human performance were considered. No primary data collection involving human subjects was conducted; therefore, ethical approval was not required.RESULTS: The V˙o2-max test provides essential information regarding a pilot's ability to handle increased Gz-load. It assists in predicting G-induced loss of consciousness by assessing anti-G straining maneuver performance and heart rate variables during increased G-load.DISCUSSION: V˙o2-max testing guides tailored exercise plans, optimizes cardiovascular health, and disproves the notion that aerobic training hampers G-tolerance. Its inclusion in air force protocols could boost readiness, reduce health risks, and refine training for fighter pilots' safety and performance. This evidence-backed approach supports integrating V˙o2-max testing for insights into fitness, risks, and tailored exercise.Zeigler Z, Acevedo AM. Re-evaluating the need for routine maximal aerobic capacity testing within fighter pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(5):273-277.

Maximal Aerobic Capacity as a Predictor of Performance on ACFT Total Score of ROTC Cadets.

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a newly developed test that assesses the combat readiness of U.S. Army soldiers. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine if VO2max can predict performance outcomes of the ACFT in ROTC cadets. This understanding can provide a better understanding of the aerobic demands of the ACFT. Cadets (50 males, 14 females; aged 21.43 ± 4.10 years) completed the 6-event ACFT (maximum trap-bar deadlift [MDL], standing power throw [SPT], hand-release pushups [HRPU], sprint-drag-carry shuttle run [SDC], plank [PLK], and 2-mile run [2MR]). The cadets conducted a maximal treadmill running test following the Bruce protocol. The ability of VO2max (mL·kg-1·min-1) to predict ACFT performance was determined with a linear regression model. Significance was set at p < 0.05. VO2max was significantly and positively correlated to MDL (r = .253, p = .044), HRPU (r = .486, p < .001), SDC (r = .495, p < .001), PLK (r = .628, p < .001) 2MR (r = .612, p < .001) and overall ACFT score (r = .619, p < .001) but not SPT (r = .203, p = .108). VO2max significantly explained 38% (p < .001) of the variance on the total ACFT scores with a beta coefficient of 4.338. There is a gap in understanding how VO2max impacts performance in the newly implemented ACFT. For every 1 mL·kg-1·min-1 increase in VO2max, ACFT total scores increased by 4 points. These findings support the need for further research due to the trends of U.S. Army personnel failing the 2MR, which can be associated with an insufficient aerobic capacity.

Body Mass Index Superior to Body Adiposity Index in Predicting Adiposity in Female Collegiate Athletes.

Body mass index (BMI) is moderately correlated with %Fat and often used to assess obesity in athletes. Limited research assesses BMI as a surrogate for %Fat in female collegiate athletes. Body Adiposity Index (BAI) is an anthropometric measurement suggested to be superior to BMI at predicting adiposity but has not been well assessed within female athletic populations. This study aimed to determine if BAI is superior to other anthropometric indices to predict %Fat in female collegiate athletes and college-aged female non-athletes. Collegiate female athletes and female non-athletes were invited into the laboratory for anthropometrics and %Fat measurements via BOD POD. BAI was calculated as Hip Circumference/Height1.5 - 18. Eighty-eight female non-athletes and 72 female athletes from soccer (n = 27), softball (n = 28), and basketball (n = 17) completed the study. Using BMI, 19% of non-athletes had a false positive (FP). Sensitivity of BMI in non-athletes was 85.5%, while specificity was 73%. 16% of athletes had a FP. Sensitivity of BMI within athletes was 100%, specificity was 81%. BMI outperformed BAI in athletic (BMI: r = .725, p < .001; BAI: r = .556, p < .001) and nonathletic (BMI: r = .650, p < .001; BAI: r = .499, p < .001) groups. The strongest anthropometric predictor of %Fat within the non-athlete population was BMI (r2 = .42, p < .001). Waist circumference was the strongest predictor in the athletic population (r2 = .62, p < .001). BMI outperformed BAI in its ability to predict %Fat.