A Randomized Controlled Trial of Core Strengthening Exercises in Helicopter Crewmembers with Low Back Pain

Brandt, Yvonne; Currier, Linda L; Tw, Plante; Kabban, Schubert; Ap, Tvaryanas

doi:10.3357/amhp.4245.2015

Cited by 20 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This finding is not supported by Mohler [37], who advocate physical conditioning as a preventive factor for LBP, and corroborates with studies by O'Sullivan, et al [36] and Da Silva, et al [26], suggesting that physical conditioning is not the most important factor in the prevention of LBG, but the use of specific exercises for the muscles of the trunk aiming at the improvement of strength, endurance, flexibility and spine stabilization [5,6,8,26,[33][34][35][36]. Taking into account only the pilots with complaints of back pain, this average recurrent/transient pain rate corresponds to 93%.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 61%

“…On the other hand, when undergoing a specific program addressed to improve strength and endurance of the deep trunk muscles, the LBP severity was significantly reduced in 36% (p<0.001) [26]. In another study was de demonstrated that core strengthening exercises were effective in reducing inflight pain and led to a reduction in symptoms and disability in helicopter aircrew members [5].…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Low back pain (LBP) among helicopter pilots is a well-recognized problem, with prevalence ranging from 44 to over 92%. Therefore, it is generally felt that the helicopter pilots have an increase prevalence of LBP in comparison to the population as a whole (12 -33%) [4][5][6]. Helicopter and fighter pilots are the most affected by spine problems and discomfort among all pilots classes [1,7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Helicopter Pilots and Low Back Pain: How to Manage the Risk Factors?

Silva¹

2018

EOIJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A high prevalence of LBP in helicopter pilots has been reported by several epidemiological surveys since the early 1960's. As pointed out by several authors the most important etiologic factor of LBP in helicopter pilots is the asymmetrical posture adopt during flight. The aim of the study is understand the pathomechanical model of the low back pain (LBP) that affects helicopter pilots in order to propose a risk management addressed to reduce this issue. A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify evidences about low back pain in helicopter pilots, risk factors related and some interventions/risk management adopted. In addition, a self-reported questionnaire was applied for LBP prevalence and pain characterization. Results showed asymmetrical in-flight posture; cockpit design/geometry; seat design; WBV; static posture; prolonged sitting; and flight duration as mainly risk factors and a higher prevalence of LBP among helicopter pilots as well as a significant influence of flight activity on pain features when compared to office workers. In order to solve the problem it will be necessary to provide a comprehensive solution composed by three different and complementary steps: a specific exercise program (as an immediate solution), the use of lumbar support (as a short term solution), and a proposal for redesign cockpit and seat (as a long term solution).

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 61%

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Helicopter Pilots and Low Back Pain: How to Manage the Risk Factors?

Silva¹

2018

EOIJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…To our knowledge no studies have fully explored the impact of training on the endurance of the lumbar trunk muscles as well as possible improvement of pain and function in helicopter pilots. A study of five US Air force helicopter crew members did not evaluate lumbar trunk endurance but showed reduced inflight pain with no significant change in function (ODI) [13]. A Swiss study showed improvement in lumbar trunk endurance after training among army helicopter pilots without testing pain [12].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some studies focus on outcomes such as pain or function [13, 14]. Others focus on lumbar trunk muscular endurance [12, 14, 15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of exercise programs among helicopter pilots with transient LBP

Andersen

Baardsen

Dalen

et al. 2017

BMC Musculoskelet Disord

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundFlight related low back pain (LBP) among helicopter pilots is frequent and may influence flight performance. Prolonged confined sitting during flights seems to weaken lumbar trunk (LT) muscles with associated secondary transient pain. Aim of the study was to investigate if structured training could improve muscular function and thus improve LBP related to flying.Methods39 helicopter pilots (35 men and 4 women), who reported flying related LBP on at least 1 of 3 missions last month, were allocated to two training programs over a 3-month period. Program A consisted of 10 exercises recommended for general LBP. Program B consisted of 4 exercises designed specifically to improve LT muscular endurance. The pilots were examined before and after the training using questionnaires for pain, function, quality of health and tests of LT muscular endurance as well as ultrasound measurements of the contractility of the lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM).ResultsApproximately half of the participants performed the training per-protocol. Participants in this subset group had comparable baseline characteristics as the total study sample. Pre and post analysis of all pilots included, showed participants had marked improvement in endurance and contractility of the LMM following training. Similarly, participants had improvement in function and quality of health. Participants in program B had significant improvement in pain, function and quality of health.ConclusionsThis study indicates that participants who performed a three months exercise program had improved muscle endurance at the end of the program. The helicopter pilots also experienced improved function and quality of health.Trial registrationIdentifier: NCT01788111 Registration date; February 5th, 2013, verified April 2016.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1631-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

show abstract