Muscular Strength and Anthropometric Characteristics of Male and Female Naval Aviation Candidates,
Abstract
The Secretary of Defense directed the military services to allow women to fly all aircraft engaged in combat missions. The current inventory of naval aircraft was designed to accommodate the general physical characteristics of the male population based on information that is over 20 years old. Anthropometric standards have been used for a number of years to certify that individuals entering naval aviation can fit into assigned aircraft. However, there are no established strength standards to assess whether aviation candidates are capable of operating manual foot and hand controls. This study was done to determine current muscular strength and anthropometric characteristics of male and female aviation candidates. Volunteer subjects included 458 male and 152 female naval aviation students and Naval Academy Midshipmen. Cybex muscle testing equipment was used to measure the strength and endurance of muscles in the arm, shoulder, and leg. Fourteen different anthropometric measurements were made. Compared to males entering naval aviation, female candidates were weaker than their male counterparts when measuring both upper and lower body limb strength. Anthropometry indicated obvious differences in body size with men generally larger than women in most measurements. The data obtained in this study can be used to develop occupational strength standards for modern aviation, modify aircraft cockpits, and redesign aviation life support equipment. These results may help the Navy in preparing candidates for aviation and foster confidence in the assignment of aircraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA323781
Entities
People
- B. E. Ortel
- J. L. Saxton
- L. G. Meyer
- P. D. Collyer
- T. L. Pokorski
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory