The new Air Force fitness test: a field trial assessing effectiveness and safety.
AI Summary
Key Findings
Abstract
Two thousand one hundred thirty-nine Air Force members were stratified in risk categories based on a questionnaire about their exercise habits and risk factors which could preclude participation in the new Air Force fitness test. Those at risk were interviewed by a practitioner and placed in a supervised fitness program or exempted from testing. All others were tested by the 1.5-mile field run. Based on these data it is estimated that 40% of the Air Force was exercising regularly and only 50% would pass the old category III standards, with 33% passing the new category IV standard. Thirteen percent of the Air Force would be in the highest risk category, but after a practitioner interview alone, only 7.9% would be exempted from testing altogether, almost all for known or suspected cardiac conditions. This screening and interviewing process is not a significant additional workload on Medical Treatment Facilities and may enhance the safety of the new Air Force fitness program.
Affiliation
Clinical Consultants Division, Office of the Air Force Surgeon General, Brooks AFB, TX 78235.
External References
- PubMed ID:
- 2030839
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