Neck and Back Pain in E-2C HAWKEYE Aircrew

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine select characteristics of neck and back symptoms among E-2C Hawkeye aircrew. One hundred eighty-five E-2C aircrew volunteered to complete a neck and back pain and symptoms survey. The mean (+- SD) age and flight time were 30.6 (+- 4.3) years and 1392 (+- 1003) hr, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of pilots and 74% of Naval Flight Officers (NFO) reported neck and/or back pain in the past year. Similarly, 68% of pilots and 70% of NFO reported experiencing neck and/or back symptoms in their past 30 flights. The most common symptom was an in-flight dull ache, lasting 24-48 hours. Although the vast majority of the subjects reported they perform aerobic exercises (94%), calisthenics (73%), and resistance exercises (62%) on a regular basis, this did not affect their susceptibility to neck and/or back pain. Changes in cockpit ergonomics and the implementation of a stretching program for the aircrew may be the best remedy to the problem.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA387094

Entities

People

  • James A. Hodgdon
  • L. Hervig
  • T. A. Loomis
  • W. K. Prusacyzk

Organizations

  • Naval Health Research Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Airborne Early Warning
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Body Regions
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Frequency
  • Helicopters
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Jet Aircraft
  • Medical Personnel
  • Muscles
  • Musculoskeletal Physiology
  • Pain
  • Resistance
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Skeletal Muscle

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Exercise and Sports Science.