Physical activity levels and sleep quality among military aircrew during COVID-19: A questionnaire-based pilot study

Abstract

Objective: Adequate physical activities (PAs) and sleep quality are also crucial factors for maintaining optimal performance in military aircrew given the physiological demands of alien flying conditions and the occupational stress of the military lifestyle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PA levels and sleep quality are compromised globally. Due to a lack of adequate research studies, this pilot study was aimed at assessing the PA levels and sleep quality among military aircrew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Fifty-nine aircrew (Weight: 68.7 ± 6.45 kg and body mass index: 22.6 ± 1.76 kg/m2) of a training establishment voluntarily participated in this anonymous pen-paper pilot survey. The participants included instructors/trainee aircrew and one female aircrew. Responses for the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and self-rating before the pandemic along with demographic details were collected. Data were expressed as a median and interquartile range with statistical significance set at 0.05. Results: About 80% of participants reported participating in games and PA regularly. Before the pandemic, 68% of aircrew did moderate-vigorous PA and >93% had average-good sleep quality. Total PA during the pandemic was 1059 (594, 1074) MET-min/week with an energy expenditure of 1226.48 (623.7, 2036.7) Kcal/week. Time spent sitting was 6 (5, 10) h/day and more than 86% of aircrew reported good global PSQI score. The effect of the pandemic was observed as significantly reduced energy expenditure, that is, 1001.25 (673.2, 1794) Kcal/week among aircrew who self-rated high levels of PA before the pandemic (P = 0.042). Aircrew who regularly played games significantly engaged in more total PA of 1547 (827, 1911) MET-min/weeks (P < 0.0001) with a significantly higher energy expenditure of 1752.7 Kcal/week (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Despite pandemic restrictions, aircrew who were regularly involved in PA/games were able to maintain a better PA level. Moreover, aircrew with better sleep quality significantly engaged in higher PA levels and lesser sitting time. Sedentary behavior was assessed as sitting time increased in trainee aircrew, aircrew who were not involved in active flying, and aircrew with bad sleep quality.