Comparison of the 1.5 Mile Run Times at 7,200 Feet and Simulated 850 Feet in a Hyperoxic Room

Abstract

The 1.5-mile run test was developed as an easy, inexpensive, and accurate way to estimate VO2 max, in large groups of AF personnel. In 2004 the AF fitness program began using the 1.5-mile run to estimate fitness. An altitude (MA) adjustment was implemented in 2005 for bases above 5,000 ft. In 2010, a new AF program was implemented; however, the 1.5-mile altitude adjustment for MA was removed. This study was conducted to investigate if a significant difference in aerobic performance exists between MA and SL and, if it does exist, to what extent. Fifty-five, 38 male and 17 female, subjects participated in the study. Subjects completed a VO2max test followed by two 1.5-mile runs, one at 7,200 ft, and one at simulated 850ft (~26% O2). During the runs, subjects only were aware of their test distance and could adjust the treadmill speed based on how they were feeling. Results were analyzed using an ANOVA. The average max VO2 was 48.6 mL.kg.-1min-1. A 30.6 seconds, or 4.2%, significant difference (p<.001) was observed between the two runs. These differences were mainly due to a decreased hemoglobin oxygen saturation (p<.001). Our recommendation is that an altitude adjustment for the AFT be reinstated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA567837

Entities

People

  • Dustin R. Bakkie
  • Jennifer A. Malagon
  • Jessica A. Malagon
  • Kristin Perdue
  • Michael F. Zupan

Organizations

  • United States Air Force Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Personnel
  • Altitude
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Body Composition
  • Heart Rate
  • Hemoglobin
  • Motor Skills
  • Oxygenation
  • Saturation
  • Sea Level
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Training
  • Treadmills
  • United States
  • United States Air Force Academy
  • X Rays

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Hydraulic Engineering.
  • Mathematics or Statistics