Influence of posture and helmet design factors on neck muscular stiffness in pilots: Implications for the development of neck pathology
Abstract
Project AbstractNeck pain among fighter pilots is nearly universal. Neck pain is less common in helicopter pilots, but still common . Pain has been shown to be related to neck posture associated with maneuvers and headgear. The mechanism for development of neck pa in is unclear. However, tension in neck muscles likely contributes. Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a noninvasive measur ement technique that can quantify the activation of muscles and has been shown to be able to identify areas of increased muscle stif fness that are associated with pain. This technique offers significant advantages over past approaches. We propose four aims in thi s study to better understand the role of helmet design and posture on neck pain development. Aim 1: Test the interaction of neck po sture and helmet design on neck muscle activation utilizing SWE. Aim 2: Test the role of flight exposure and training on the interac tion of helmet design and posture by comparing fighter jet and helicopter pilots. A sub-aim of Aim 2 will be: To also investigate t he relationship between neck muscle stiffness and current neck pain in pilots. Aim 3: Utilize multiscale muscle-nerve interaction i n silico modeling to understand how altered neck muscle activation may lead to development of neck pain. Aim 4: Investigate the rol e of helmet system mass and center of mass location on neck muscle activation utilizing SWE. The work proposed will include several significant advancements over past work in this area. Utilizing SWE will allow for measurement of superficial and deep musculature in realistic postures and allow for assessment of muscle tension rather than muscle activation. Additionally, muscle tension will b e better linked to mechanism of pain development by utilizing our model. The results from this work will inform future helmet design to reduce neck pain in pilots.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 07, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112649
Entities
People
- Zachary J Domire
Organizations
- East Carolina University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy