Expanded Air Force Physical Fitness Battery: Muscle Strength, Muscle Endurance, and Flexibility Considered. Volume I, Final Report
Abstract
The current Air Force fitness test is a submaximal cycle ergometry test which is used to estimate cardiovascular fitness. Interest in adding to this fitness requirement has arisen from several quarters. CSERIAC, the Crew System Ergonomics Information Analysis Center, produced this Review & Analysis that analyzes advantages and disadvantages to the Air Force of adding muscle strength, muscle endurance, and flexibility requirements to the Air Force fitness battery. It was concluded that of the benefits of strength training, improved deployment preparedness, safe and efficient everyday work performance, and safer aerobic and team activity are most important to the Air Force. Secondly, although the evidence is not absolutely conclusive, the preservation of bone mass through strength training is also important to the Air Force, especially as more women enter, and retire from, the Air Force. The benefits of flexibility training are less clear. While flexibility training seems to be a universal prescription in fitness and health texts, the scientific data do not universally support the purported benefits of flexibility training, especially in the area of sports injury protection. However, on the basis of recommendations of other fitness programs and the opinions of subject-matter experts, and because better flexibility may reduce lower back pain and prevent injury from falls, it is suggested that the Air Force add flexibility training to its program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA388375
Entities
People
- Barbara Palmer
- Jennifer Soest