Change in Anthropometrics and Aerobic Fitness in Air Force Cadets During 3 Years of Academy Studies

Aandstad A, Hageberg R, Sæther Ø, Nilsen RO. Change in anthropometrics and aerobic fitness in Air Force cadets during 3 years of academy studies. Aviat Space Environ Med 2012; 83:35–41.Introduction: Favorable anthropometrical status and aerobic fitness levels are emphasized in Norwegian Air Force personnel. However, it is unknown how these variables develop in Air Force cadets. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to examine how anthropometrics and maximal oxygen uptake (<inline-graphic xlink:href="35inf1.gif"/>o_2max) change among Norwegian Air Force cadets during 3 yr of Academy studies. Methods: There were 30 male cadets included in the study. Bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), estimated percent body fat, and <inline-graphic xlink:href="35inf1.gif"/>o_2max were measured at entry and at the end of the first year of Academy studies. After the first year, 14 cadets left the Academy, while the remaining cadets were retested at the end of the second and third years. Results: At entry, mean (95% CI) bodyweight, BMI, percent body fat, and <inline-graphic xlink:href="35inf1.gif"/>o_2max were 78.4 (75.2, 81.6) kg, 24.3 (23.5, 25.1) kg · m⁻², 17.8 (16.3, 19.3)%, and 4.48 (4.25, 4.72) L · min⁻¹, respectively. Percent body fat decreased significantly by 1.1 (0.2, 2.0) percentage points at the end of the first year, while the other variables did not change during the first year. Between entry and end of third year there was no change in any of the main outcome variables. Discussion: Anthropometrical status and <inline-graphic xlink:href="35inf1.gif"/>o_2max did not change in Norwegian Air Force cadets between entry and the end of 3 yr of Air Force Academy studies. From the 1- and 3-yr follow-up analysis, the only significant change was a small reduction in estimated percent body fat from entry to the end of the first year.