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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 May 1:12:1334880.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1334880. eCollection 2024.

The effect of Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga method on air force pilots' operational performance

Sara Santos  1   2 , Filipe Melo  2   3 , Orlando Fernandes  1   2 , José Alberto Parraca  1   2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The effect of Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga method on air force pilots' operational performance

Sara Santos et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: In today's military landscape, optimizing performance and bolstering physical health and mental resilience are critical objectives. Introducing a 12-week Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Supta Method (AVYSM) to the training protocol of military trained Airforce pilots, we aim to assesses the feasibility and impact of the method.

Materials and equipment: Borg Scale assesses the intensity level of physical activity during the intervention. Flight simulator data gauges operational performance responses. Postural control responses are measured using a force platform, stress responses are monitored via heart monitor, and handgrip dynamometry will measure strength. Respiratory capacity is assessed using a spirometer, body composition is evaluated using impedance balance, and aviation-related questionnaires are administered before and after the intervention period.

Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, the totality of pilots from the "Masters in Military Aeronautics: aviator pilot specialist" course at the Portuguese Air Force Academy (PAA) were randomly assigned to the yoga intervention or the waiting list control groups, with participants providing written informed consent. The control group followed protocolized course classes for 12 weeks, while the intervention group integrated two weekly one-hour yoga sessions into their course.

Results: The PAA has approved the implementation of this intervention protocol at Airbase 11 in Beja, highlighting its significance for the organization's policy makers. We hypothesize that this method will enhance operational performance and, subsequently, elevate flight safety.

Discussion: This research's potential extends beyond the PAA, as it can be adapted for use in Airforce departments of other nations and various military contexts.

Clinical trial registration: Évora University research ethics committee-approval number 21050. Study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT05821270, registered on April 19, 2023.

Keywords: aerospacial medicine; airforce pilots; military health; operational performance; yoga.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

IMAGE 1
IMAGE 1
Sample size for frequency in the military pilot’s population using OpenEpi.
IMAGE 2
IMAGE 2
AVYSM classes structure and components.
IMAGE 3
IMAGE 3
Sun salutations (28) used in the ásana component of the AVYSM classes.
IMAGE 4
IMAGE 4
Various yoga postures (ásanas) incorporated in the ásana component of the AVYSM classes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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