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

Abstract : The 1.5 mile run test was developed in 1968 by Dr. Ken Cooper as an easy, inexpensive and relatively accurate way to estimate VO2 max in large groups of Air Force personnel. In January 2010, a new Air Force fitness test program was implemented, using the 1.5 mile run to test aerobic fitness, but there was no altitude adjustment for Air Force Bases located at moderate altitude. This study investigated if a significant difference in aerobic performance exists between moderate altitude (ALT) and sea level (SL) and, if it does exist, to what extent. This study was reviewed and approved by the USAFA IRB and all subjects signed an informed consent document (ICD). Fifty-five, fully informed, non-smoking male (38) and female (17) subjects participated in this study. Each subject completed a VO2 max test and then two 1.5 mile runs, one at 7,200 ft and one at simulated 850 ft (26% O2). During the 1.5 mile runs, the subjects were able to see their distance and were in complete control of the treadmill speed so they could adjust their speed based on how they are feeling. The treadmill speed, elapsed time, and heart rate displays were covered so as not to influence the subjects' running speed. The subjects were blinded to the environmental condition they were running in. Results between conditions were analyzed using an ANOVA. The average max VO2's for the subjects was 48.6 mL.kg-1.min-1 ranging from 35.2 to 64.8 mL.kg-1.min-1. A 30.6 seconds, or 4.2%, significant difference (p.001) was observed between the two 1.5 mile runs. There were minimal differences between the runs for the first .75 miles. It was the second half of the test where the runs at ALT began to lag behind the SL runs. These differences were mainly due to a decreased hemoglobin oxygen saturation (p.001).