Relationship between estimated aerobic fitness and injury rates among active duty at an Air Force base based upon two separate measures of estimated cardiovascular fitness.

With the increased focus on physical fitness and increased fitness regimens, overuse injuries in United States Air Force (USAF) personnel are increasing. We evaluated injuries and level of fitness among a large population-based sample of USAF men and women aged 18 to 60 years from 2003 to 2005. Aerobic capacity was estimated by submaximal cycle ergometry fitness test and the 1.5-mile run. There was an increase of 6.04 mL kg(-1) min(-1) in approximate maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) for men and 3.25 mL kg(-1) min(-1)for women with the run test results versus the cycle ergometry test. The results showed increased injuries and higher VO2 max scores during the implementation of a new "Fit to Fight" fitness program.