The Effect of Intermediate Altitude on the Army Physical Fitness Test

Abstract

Official physical training records of personnel stationed at intermediate altitude (elevation 5,280 feet) for at least 1 year were reviewed to gauge the effect of altitude on 2-mile running performance. An average of 48 additional seconds (a 5% increase in time) was required to complete the run compared to sea-level values in the same subjects. Run times gradually diminished during the first 9 months of assignment to altitude before stability was established. These data indicate that acclimatization occurs over several months. Even with acclimatization, substantial loss of performance is associated with habitation at intermediate altitude.