Evaluations of physical training by pilots or cadets
10.3760/cma.j.cn113854-20240912-00142
- VernacularTitle:空军飞行（学）员对体能训练评价的调查分析
- Author:
Siming DU
1
;
Hang XING
1
;
Fenghua ZHAO
1
;
Jia WANG
1
;
Man ZHAO
1
;
Fan YANG
1
;
Xiangyang ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. 空军军医大学空军特色医学中心期刊编辑部，北京100142
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Exercise test;
Physical training;
(Student) Pilots
- From:
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine
2025;36(2):126-131
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To find out about the sentiment about the current physical training among Air Force pilots (cadets), propose methods for optimizing their programs of physical training, and to enhance the effectiveness of training in order to improve flight adaptability.Methods:A total of 1 135 pilots (cadets) were randomly selected as the subjects and divided into 3 groups according to types of aircraft and types of personnel: group A (pilots of fighters, bombers and advanced trainers), group B (pilots of fighter bombers, transporters, helicopters, special aircraft and junior trainers), and group C (flying cadets). A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on current physical training among pilots and flying cadets.Results:A total of 1 135 questionnaires were distributed, with 1 086 valid responses collected, yielding an effective response rate of 95.68%. Of the 1 086 participating pilots (cadets), 209 were in Group A, 499 in Group B, and 378 in Group C.There was statistically significant difference in the frequency and duration of weekly physical training between the 3 groups ( χ2=82.23, 61.56, both P<0.001). The proportion of participants engaging in >3 h weekly physical training sessions was significantly higher in group C (71.7%) than in group A (38.8%) and group B (44.9%). Significant differences were observed in weekly training durations between group C and group A (all P<0.05), as well as between group C and group B in the training durations of <3 h and 5-7 h (all P<0.05). The percentage of subjects who trained for 5-7 h per week was the highest in group C (41.5%). In groups A and B, pilots mostly trained for 3-<5 h per week (51.7% and 39.9%, respectively). The survey on the willingness to adjust training programs revealed statistically significant differences between the 3 groups in their willingness to engage in muscle strength training, coordination training, specific ability training, and adjustment of intensities of core training ( H=46.23, 16.12, 22.03, 60.68, all P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in their willingness to have aerobic training programs adjusted ( P>0.05). Group C was significantly different from groups A and B in their preference for adjustment in training programs related to muscle strength, coordination, specific abilities, and in core training programs (all P<0.01). Group C was mostly in favor of "increasing" muscle strength, coordination, and core training while opting for "no change" in aerobic training and specific ability training. Groups A and B preferred "no change". Regarding their willingness to have training intensities revised, statistically significant differences were observed between the 3 groups ( H=15.58, 19.08, 8.17, 58.01, P<0.001, <0.001, =0.017, <0.001), but no significant difference was found in their preference for adjustment of aerobic training intensities ( P>0.05). Group C showed much more preference for intensity adjustment related to muscle strength, coordination, specific abilities, and core training programs than groups A and B (all P<0.05 or 0.01). All the 3 groups predominantly favored "no change" in training intensities. Conclusions:Pilots of different aircraft types generally meet the requirements of the current physical training programs. However, the frequency of physical training for pilots (cadets) requires more rigorous supervision. Flying cadets can adaptively engage in targeted training programs. Pilots of fighters, fighter bombers and advanced trainers should care about the intensity of aerobic training while giving more weight to load resistance physical training. Pilots of other types of aircraft should devote more effort to core training programs.
