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

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1334880
• Publication Date: 2024-05-01T04:53:18Z
• Authors: Sara Santos; Filipe Melo; Orlando Fernandes; José Alberto Parraca
• Keywords: Male; Adult; Portugal; Yoga; 05 social sciences; airforce pilots; operational performance; Pilots; aerospacial medicine; Military Personnel; yoga; military health; Humans; Female; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; Public Health; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270

In today's military landscape, optimizing performance and bolstering physical health mental resilience are critical objectives. Introducing a 12-week Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Supta Method (AVYSM) to the training protocol of trained Airforce pilots, we aim assesses feasibility impact method. Borg Scale intensity level activity during intervention. Flight simulator data gauges operational responses. Postural control responses measured using force platform, stress monitored via heart monitor, handgrip dynamometry will measure strength. Respiratory capacity is assessed spirometer, body composition evaluated impedance balance, aviation-related questionnaires administered before after intervention period. randomized controlled trial, totality pilots from "Masters in Military Aeronautics: aviator pilot specialist" course at Portuguese Air Force Academy (PAA) were randomly assigned yoga or waiting list groups, with participants providing written informed consent. The group followed protocolized classes for 12 weeks, while integrated two weekly one-hour sessions into their course. PAA has approved implementation this Airbase 11 Beja, highlighting its significance organization's policy makers. We hypothesize that method enhance and, subsequently, elevate flight safety. This research's potential extends beyond PAA, as it can be adapted use departments other nations various contexts. Évora University research ethics committee-approval number 21050. Study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT05821270, April 19, 2023.