Role of a 15- week Aerobic Exercising Program in Promoting Cardiovascular Fitness among Flight Personnel

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Exercise Physiology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Trauma Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of aerobic exercises in the promotion of cardiovascular fitness in flight employees.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 30 flight personnel from Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini Airports in Tehran, Iran were selected and randomly assigned to the treatment and control groups (15 in each). Cardiovascular fitness was evaluated by measuring VO2max (using Step Test) and resting heart rate (RHR). A 15 week aerobic exercising program was given to the treatment group. As placebo, the participants in the control group were advised to do stretching exercise. Then cardiovascular fitness was assessed again. Obtained data were analyzed using relevant statistical methods.
Results: The mean VO2max and RHR were not significantly different between the two groups at the pretest. Performing a 15-week exercise protocol, the treatment group had a significantly higher VO2max and lower RHR, but the control groups did not show any change. There was no significant difference in BMI before and after trial.
Conclusion: Appropriate aerobic exercising protocols can result in the promotion of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity in flight personnel if they are designed properly and performed regularly for a long time.

Keywords

Journal of Military Medicine
Volume 14, Issue 4 - Serial Number 50
January and February 2013
Pages 285-292

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