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Back pain and its consequences among Polish Air Force pilots flying high performance aircraft

100%

Truszczyńska A., Lewkowicz R., Truszczyński O., Wojtkowiak M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

2014

vol. 27

issue 2

243-251

Objectives: Back pain in Air Force fast jet pilots has been studied by several air forces and found to be relatively common. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and degree of the pain intensity in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, subjective risk factors and their effect on the pilots' performance while flying high maneuver aircrafts and the consequences for cognitive deficiencies. Material and Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective, anonymous questionnaire survey, collecting data on the age, aircraft type, flying hours, pain characteristics, physical activity, etc. The study was participated by 94 pilots aged 28-45 years (mean age: 35.9±3.3 years), actively flying fast jet aircrafts Su-22, Mig-29 and F-16. The estimates regarding the level of the subjective back pain were established using visual analogue scales (VAS). Results: The values of the Cochran and Cox T-test for heterogeneous variances are as follows: for the total number of flying hours: F = 2.53, p = 0.0145, for the pilot's age: F = 3.15, p = 0.003, and for the BMI factor F = 2.73, p = 0.008. Conclusions: Our questionnaire survey showed a significant problem regarding spinal conditions in high performance aircraft pilots. The determination of the risk factors may lead to solving this problem and help eliminate the effect of the unfavorable environment on piloting jet aircrafts. Experiencing back pain during the flight might influence the mission performance and flight safety. The costs of pilots education are enormous and inability to fly, or even disability, leads to considerable economic loss. More research on specific prevention strategies is warranted in order to improve the in-flight working environment of fighter pilots.

Back pain in Polish military helicopter pilots

88%

Truszczyńska A., Lewkowicz R., Truszczyński O., Rąpała K., Wojtkowiak M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

2012

vol. 25

issue 3

258-264

Objectives: Low back pain in pilots of military helicopters is widely discussed in the world literature. Vibrations and improper seat configuration cause that cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine might be exposed to overloading. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and intensity of pain in the spine as well as to identify subjective risk factors of back pain and its effect on the pilot’s actions while flying a helicopter. Materials and Methods: 112 pilots, aged 25−56 years (mean age: 34.8±6.3 years), actively flying helicopters, participated in the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire containing five groups of questions, elaborated by the authors, was used. Results: 70% of the pilots reported pain complaints. Pain was localized in different parts of the spine. Uncomfortable body posture during prolonged flights resulting from the lack of lumbar support exerted the highest effect on pain provocation. Conclusions: This questionnaire survey enabled to determine the prevalence of pain, its type and intensity. Knowledge on low back pain imposes the necessity to eliminate the negative environmental effect on helicopter pilotage. Elimination of risk factors is possible through appropriate physical exercises and adjustment of pilots’ seats. The authors plan to conduct – in the future – detailed annual examinations among pilots with back pain and, based on the results, to elaborate a prophylactic program containing simple forms of isometric and isotonic training involving paravertebral and deep abdominal muscles designed specifically for pilots of military helicopters.

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2 International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

2 Lewkowicz R.

2 Truszczyńska A.

2 Truszczyński O.

2 Wojtkowiak M.

1 Rąpała K.

1 2014

1 2012

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Back pain and its consequences among Polish Air Force pilots flying high performance aircraft

Back pain in Polish military helicopter pilots