The Influence of Neck Posture and Helmet Configuration on Neck Muscle Demands
Abstract
Neck pain and associated musculoskeletal injuries are substantial issues for occupations requiring the use of heavy helmets such as military pilots. Between 43 to 97% of military helicopter and aircraft pilots experience acute neck pain during or shortly after flight (Lange et al., 2011; Van Den Oord et al., 2010; Salmon et al., 2011). Indeed, the prevalence of neck injury in pilots ranges from 10 to 60% depending on the injury definition and the type of aircraft piloted(Aydog et al., 2004; Schall, 1989; Vanderbeek, 1988; Pippig and Kriebel, 2000; Petrn-Mallminand Linder, 1999, 2001; Hmlinen et al., 1993; Hendriksen and Holewijn, 1999). Specifically for Canadian Forces (CF) pilots and flight engineers, neck pain and muscle fatigue are common with over 80% of CH146 Griffon helicopter pilots and flight engineers reporting neck pain associated with in-flight task demands (Bridger et al., 2002). Chronic pain is also an issue, as DeLoose et al. (2008) reported an 18.9% 1-year prevalence of self-reported neck pain in a survey of military aircraft pilots. Neck injuries create a major socioeconomic burden for injured personnel, their spouses, and society in general (Jennum et al. 2013). Consequently, there is a need to consider interventions to reduce the risk of work-related neck Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)for military pilots and flight engineers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 22, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1000883
Entities
People
- Jack P. Callaghan
Organizations
- University of Waterloo