Neck and back muscle loading in pilots flying high G(z) sorties with and without lumbar support.

Full Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Fighter pilots frequently encounter neck and back pain and injuries due to high G(z) loading. A lumbar support could diminish muscle strain in the lower back under G(z) loading and might also have a positive effect on cervical muscle strain, due to a more ergonomic sitting posture. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of individually adjusted lumbar supports on fighter pilots' neck and back muscle loadings.

METHODS:
There were 11 Finnish Air Force pilots who acted as test subjects. They flew two basic air combat maneuvering sorties with and without the LS. The EMG activity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), cervical (CES), thoracic (TES), and lumbar erector spinae muscles (LES) were measured during these sorties, and the number and duration of EMG gaps was analyzed. Subjective experiences about the lumbar support were evaluated using a questionnaire.

RESULTS:
In all measured muscles, mean percent maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) was lower when the LS was used, yet these changes were not statistically significant. Individual differences in %MVC between flights diminished in the CES (9%), TES (7%), and LES (8%) with LS in use. There was also a tendency toward increased number of gaps in EMG activity when flying with the LS. According to questionnaire responses, the LS seems to relieve in-flight symptoms and reduce the fatigue in the lower back muscles. Not all subjects benefited from the LS, however.

CONCLUSION:
There seems to be a tendency toward a lower muscle strain with the LS, but there are considerable individual differences.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Sovelius, Roope (R); Oksa, Juha (J); Rintala, Harri (H); Siitonen, Simo (S);

Affiliation: Training Air Wing, P.O. Box 5, FIN-62201 Kauhava, Finland. roope.sovelius(-atsign-)mil.fi

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Aviation, space, and environmental medicine (Aviat Space Environ Med), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jun; vol 79 (issue 6) : pp 616-9

Dates: Created 2008/06/27; Completed 2008/07/22;

PMID: 18581947, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Military Personnel
Muscle, Skeletal - injuries; physiopathology
Neck Muscles - injuries; physiopathology
Orthotic Devices
Posture
Sprains and Strains - etiology; prevention & control
Weight-Bearing - physiology

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

See 100+ related articles.