MAJ Sylvia C. Friedman, USAF, M.S., Air Force Medical Operations Agency, Office of the Surgeon General, Bolling AFB, Washington, DC 20332-7050

Now more than ever, our smaller, deployable force requires the highest level of health and fitness. Since 1992, the Air Force has utilized submaximal cycle ergometry to safely estimate the maximal amount of oxygen consumed (VO₂max) at maximum exercise. VO₂max defines maximal aerobic capacity, which is an important indicator of the ability to perform sustained muscular work, fitness, cardiovascular health, and decreased mortality. The Cycle Ergometry Program is critical in educating our active-duty population in the positive health effects of aerobic exercise and its impact on total health.

The speaker will present an overview of the program, highlighting its history and implementation. In addition, the speaker will address the program's future goals.

1. History of Fitness in the Air Force
2. Goals and Mission
3. Cycle Ergometry a. Improvements
4. Fitness Program Office
5. Critical Program Personnel
6. Assessment Process a. Administrative Issues
7. Future Research and Vision  

Effect Of Alterations In Excess Weight On The Physical Performance Of Men And Women

Kirk J. Cureton (unable to attend), Ph.D., Department of Exercise Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-3654

I will discuss the results of studies that we have done to quantify the effects of alterations in excess weight on physical performance in men and women. These studies provide experimental evidence that strongly suggest that the relationships between body fatness and physical performance described in cross-sectional studies are cause and effect. In addition, several of the studies attempt to directly determine the extent to which the sex difference in certain physical performances is related to the sex difference in percentage fat. The data provide insight into the importance of body fatness as a factor affecting physical performance of women in relation to that of men.

Front Matter (R1-R16)

Executive Summary (1-24)

1 Introduction (25-32)

2 Body Composition (33-60)

3 Physical Fitness Policies and Programs (61-86)

4 Weight Management (87-108)

5 Nutritional Concerns of Military Women (109-126)

6 Pregnancy and Lactation and Postpartum Return-To-Duty Fitness (127-156)

7 Conclusions and Recommendations (157-170)

Appendixes (171-172)

A Workshop Summary, Agenda, Participants, and Abstracts (173-252)

B Practices and Policies Tables (253-262)

C Military Occupational Specialty Classification Tables (263-280)

D Search Strategy for Literature Review (281-284)

E Civilian Inquiry Letter and Table of Responses (285-290)

F Abbreviations (291-294)

G Bibliography (295-334)

H Biographical Sketches (335-338)

Index (339-352)