Comparison of the 1.5 Mile Run Times at 7,200 Feet and Simulated 850 Feet in a Hyperoxic Room

The 1.5-mile run test was developed as an easy, inexpensive, and accurate way to estimate VO2 max, in large groups of AF personnel. In 2004 the AF fitness program began using the 1.5-mile run to estimate fitness. An altitude MA adjustment was implemented in 2005 for bases above 5,000 ft. In 2010, a new AF program was implemented however, the 1.5-mile altitude adjustment for MA was removed. This study was conducted to investigate if a significant difference in aerobic performance exists between MA and SL and, if it does exist, to what extent. Fifty-five, 38 male and 17 female, subjects participated in the study. Subjects completed a VO2max test followed by two 1.5-mile runs, one at 7,200 ft, and one at simulated 850ft 26 O2. During the runs, subjects only were aware of their test distance and could adjust the treadmill speed based on how they were feeling. Results were analyzed using an ANOVA. The average max VO2 was 48.6 mL.kg.-1min-1. A 30.6 seconds, or 4.2, significant difference p.001 was observed between the two runs. These differences were mainly due to a decreased hemoglobin oxygen saturation p.001. Our recommendation is that an altitude adjustment for the AFT be reinstated.