Neck Proprioception, Strength, Flexibility, and Posture in Pilots With and Without Neck Pain History

Abstract

The results demonstrate less neck active ROM in pilots with a history of NP. Operating a helicopter with limited neck ROM or NP may negatively impact flight safety and force readiness. Continued research is warranted.

A Comparison of Cervical and Trunk Musculoskeletal Characteristics between Female and Male Army Helicopter Pilots

“…For cervical ROM, the current values were similar to those reported previously using similar methods (Nagai et al, 2014a). Female pilots had significantly greater right and left cervical rotation ROM; however, there were no significant differences in the other cervical ROMs.…”

“…In the current study, all strength values in male pilots were similar to the previous study with the same procedures, assuring the quality of the data/results collected in the present investigation (Nagai et al, 2014a). Cervical flexion strength was the only cervical strength measure that was significantly different between sexes.…”

“…The testing order was randomized. The reliability of the strength and ROM procedures has been established previously (Nagai et al, 2014a;Nagai et al, 2015a).…”

“…Those musculoskeletal characteristics are particularly important as they could be used to screen individuals and develop intervention programs to prevent future musculoskeletal injuries (Salmon et al, 2013). Pilots with a history of NP/LBP were found to have a significant reduction in cervical extension, cervical rotation, and lumbar lateral flexion range of motion (ROM) as well as trunk extension strength as compared to the pilots without a history of NP/LBP (Nagai et al, 2014a;Nagai et al, 2015a). It is speculated that female pilots, who reported NP related to flying in the recent report (Fraser et al, 2015), might have had reduced cervical musculoskeletal characteristics seen in pilots with a history of NP/LBP.…”

“…More recently, modifiable musculoskeletal characteristics have been investigated as possible risk factors of NP/LBP in Army helicopter pilots (Nagai et al, 2014a;Nagai et al, 2015a). Throughout this manuscript, the term "modifiable musculoskeletal characteristics" is operationally defined as musculoskeletal characteristics which can be changed through interventions.…”