Assessment of the psychomotor fitness level of cadet pilots after a 6-month flight training period - pilot study

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the impact of 6-month aviation practice on the improvement of physical fitness and cognitive abilities of cadet pilots.Materials and methodsTwenty cadet pilots (men) with an average age of 22 from the Polish Air Force Academy were tested. Two tests of effort were conducted: before (test I) and after (test II) practical flights. Test of physical effort relyed on the number of rotations of looping accomplished. When performing rotations on looping, in tests I and II, the percentage level of task performance was assessed using a diagnostic and training device. Tasks for the exerciser were sent wirelessly to the glasses from the operator’s position. The heart rate (HR) and blood pressure were measured with a camera-type Microlife AG.ResultsIn test II, there was a statistically significant improvement in the percentage of task completion (p < 0.01) and an insignificant improvement in the performance of rotations on looping compared to test I. After Test I and II demonstrated a statistically significant increase in HR and systolic blood pressure when compared to before test values. Test II illustrated a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure after effort (p < 0.05) with regard to test I.ConclusionThe study showed that cadet aviation practice ameliorated their physical fitness and cognitive skills, as well as helped to diminish their situational stress, which resulted in a decrease in systolic blood pressure after test II.