Effects of vehicle-ride exposure on cervical pathology: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Research to date on the effect vehicle-ride exposure has on the development of cervical pathologies in mounted Warfighters is conflicting. The purpose of this study was to determine if the literature suggests a definite effect of vehicle-ride exposure on cervical pathology. Databases were searched using multiple combinations of select terms. Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that overall vehicle-ride exposure was likely to increase cervical pathology (p=0.01, odds ratio=1.59, 95% CI=1.16−2.17). Using vehicle type as a moderator it was found that vehicle-ride exposure in ground-based vehicles (p=0.01, odds ratio=2.33, 95% CI=1.41−3.85) and fixed-wing aircraft (p=0.01, odds ratio =1.59, 95% CI=1.13−2.23) were likely to increase cervical pathology. Using operator/other personnel moderator it was found that in the populations tested, fighter pilots or fighter jet weapons systems operators were more likely to develop a cervical pathology (p<0.001, odds ratio=1.78, 95% CI=1.26−2.50). The available studies indicate an increase in cervical pathology for personnel exposed to ground-based vehicles and fixed-wing aircraft.

Vehicle Exposure and Spinal Musculature Fatigue in Military Warfighters: A Meta-Analysis

“…These results further highlight the need for more actual vehicle and aircraft data to help us better understand the influence of vehicle exposure on spinal musculature fatigue and its relationship to injury. Future research into this area is especially important given reports 5,31,32 that have indicated cervical injury is of particular concern to pilots.…”

“…5 The literature [33][34][35] suggested head-supported mass as a potential injury risk factor. One report 36 indicated that 74% of pilots who wore night-vision goggles experienced neck pain, compared with only 38% of helicopter pilots who did not wear the goggles.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8] In a 2012 study, 6 investigators observed that 64% to 89% of military helicopter or fighterjet pilots reported some degree of neck and back pain. A sample of fixed-wing and rotary-wing pilots revealed cervical disc degeneration in 55% and lumbar spinal degeneration in 60% 7 ; another group 8 found that 50% of jet pilots in the Royal Norwegian Air Force had neck pain and 23% had back pain in the previous 12 months.…”

Deleterious effects of whole‐body vibration on the spine: A review of in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models

“…Occupational exposure to whole‐body vibration (WBV) is experienced by drivers, 1,2 vehicle operators, 1,3 and off‐road machine operators 4‐6 . Among military personnel, sources of WBV include ground vehicles and aircraft 7‐10 . Although standards for limiting exposure to WBV have been in place for decades; there is a lack of understanding of WBV‐associated risks among safety and healthcare professionals 11 .…”

Measurement and evaluation of whole‐body vibration exposure in drivers of cargo vehicle compositions

“…Besides that, there are still many questions about the relationship between characteristics of the WBV exposure and adverse effects on the health of exposed workers. Studies (e.g., Bovenzi & Hulshof, ; Bovenzi et al, ; Burdorf & Hulshof, ; Chen et al, ; Kollock, Games, Wilson, & Sefton, ; Seidel, Hinza, Hofmannb, & Menzela, ; Tamrin, Yokoyama, Aziz, & Maeda, ; Viruet, Genaidy, Shell, Salem, & Karwowski, ; Wikström, Kjellberg, & Landström, ) concerning the identification of dose–response relationship are still trying to find a way to quantify these effects. Burström, Nilsson, and Wahlström () carried out a review about WBV and the risk of low back pain (LBP) and sciatica.…”