Physical fitness and aerobic capacity of Polish military fighter aircraft pilots

Study aim: To determine the level of physical fitness and aerobic capacity of Polish military fighter aircraft pilots.

Material and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 120 Polish military fighter aircraft pilots (men). The average age of subject was 37.13 ± 5.42 years. For further analysis, the pilots were divided into three age groups: under 29, aged 30–39, and 40–49. Age criteria were adopted according to the classification used by the American Heart Association. A physical fitness test (seven skills) was used to determine the level of physical fitness of pilots. The Åstrand-Ryhming test and a MONARK cycling ergometer were used to determine the level of aerobic capacity.

Results: The pilots obtained the following average results during the physical fitness test: push-ups on a bench – 37.7 reps; shuttle run 10 × 10 m – 30.3 s; pull-ups – 9.1 reps; sit-ups – 54 reps; standing long jump – 228.5 cm; zigzag pattern run – 25.8 s; 50 m swimming – 49.2 s. The physical fitness of military pilots decreases with age. The average level of aerobic capacity of military pilots was estimated at 33.73 ± 5.62 VO2max (ml/kg/min).

Conclusions: Polish military fighter aircraft pilots are characterized by a medium level of physical fitness and a medium level of aerobic capacity. The level of aerobic capacity is lower currently than 30 years ago. It is a perturbing and negative phenomenon.