An assessment of physical efficiency in cadet pilots before and after the implementation of a program preparing for flights

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of the training program on directed physical fitness.

Material and methods: The research involved 35 male cadets of the Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin. The examined persons were on average 19 years old. All the examined persons were divided into 2 groups. Group I (N = 25, the test group) carried out a program on Special Aviation Gymnastic Instruments. Group II (N = 10, the control group) conducted the standard physical military education program. In both groups, the test was performed twice, before (examination I) and after (examination II) the preparatory process, using the following tests: pull-ups, a 16.5-meter race, a 10×10-meter shuttle race, forward bends, and the Aviation Synthetic Efficiency Test (ASET). The findings obtained in these tests were converted into points for the overall evaluation of physical fitness. The training lasted 70 days.

Results: In group I, in examination II, there was a statistically significant increase in the results of pull-ups (p < 0.01), the 16.5-meter race (p < 0.01), the 10×10-meter shuttle race (p < 0.05), forward bends for 2 min (p < 0.05) and the overall physical fitness (p < 0.05), compared to examination I. In group II, in examination II, the authors proved an insignificant increase in the findings when contrasted with examination I. The test results between groups I and II did not show any significant differences in the examined efficiency tests. In group I, in examination I, significant correlations were found between the overall physical fitness and pull-ups, the 10×10-meter shuttle race, the 16.5-meter race, forward bends and ASET. Examination II demonstrated significantly stronger correlations between the overall physical fitness and forward bends as well as ASET. In group II, in examination II, a significant correlation was shown between the overall physical fitness and the 16.5-meter race.

Conclusions: A significant correlation between the overall physical fitness and ASET in examination II indicates an impact of the training program on the targeted efficiency of the cadet pilots. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(5):647-58.

Keywords: Aviation Synthetic Efficiency Test; examination; physical fitness; special aviation gymnastic instruments; targeted efficiency; training program.