Association between physical fitness test results and flight duty limitations due to spinal disorders

Introduction: Exposure to high +Gz force has been associated with an increased risk for spinal disorders among military pilots. The Finnish Air Force has for several years used physical fitness tests in the selection process of pilot candidates in order to evaluate their aerobic and muscular fitness. The aim of the study was to determine if physical fitness and anthropometry measured in the selection tests of military pilots can predict permanent flight duty limitations due to spinal disorders during military pilots’ career.