Aerobic Power and Coronary Risk Factors in 40 and over Aged Military Personnel
Abstract
The past few years have seen considerable attention given to the assessment of aerobic fitness and the quantification of aerobic training programs in young (less than 35 years of age) Army personnel (3,15). Physical training and fitness, however, have largely been ignored for the 40 and over age group. Until recently, such personnel for the most part did not have a specific fitness program and were not required to meet any minimum fitness standard. In October 1980, the Chief of Staff, US Army, initiated a new physical training program which emphasizes the development and maintenance of cardiorespiratory fitness through aerobic training for all age groups (17-60 years) on active duty. The goal of this program is for individuals aged 40 and over to achieve sufficient aerobic fitness during a 6-month training period to meet an age- adjusted standard for the two-mile run. Since potential health risks of both physical training and testing are greater in personnel over the age of forty, the Army physical fitness program includes a mandatory medical and cardiac screen in order to try to predict and prevent untoward cardiovascular events. The screening procedure, which the Surgeon General has proposed to take place at the time of the biannual physical exam for personnel aged 40 and over, consists of a coronary risk factor assessment as developed by the Framingham Heart Study (9).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA117432
Entities
People
- Donald Alexander
- James A. Vogel
- John F. Patton
- Julius Bedynek
- Ronald Albright
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine