Norm-referenced standard of health-related physical fitness of ROKAF pilots

Kim, Chan; Kim, Dong Won; Lee, Soo Jin; Pyo, Jae Hwan; kim, Chul Hyun; Ji, Jun Won; Ahn, Seung Cheol

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The present study is undertaken to acquire normative data of health-related physical fitness(HRPF) of Republic of Korea Air Force(ROKAF) aircrews and to provide norm-referenced standard of HRPF.
METHODS
From 15 May 1998 through 14 December 1999, 1284 KAF pilots are checked muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body fat percentage.
RESULTS
The grip strength was relatively maintained, but flexibility, back strength, and muscular endurance were declined according to promotion and aging. And the incidence of obesity determined by bioelectrical impedence analysis was higher than that assessed on the basis of height and weight.
CONCLUSION
It is suggested that many pilots who were normal in BMI have abdominal or visceral obesity. Further studies must be made on the health promotion program for the pilots, on the changes in physical fitness, and on the criterion-referenced standard of HRPF of the pilots.