Abstract
BackgroundTechnological advancements in modern military and acrobatic jet planes have resulted in extraordinary psychophysiological loads being exerted upon flying personnel, including inducing neck and back pain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 12 weeks of functional strength training on 1) the volume and strength of the neck and shoulder muscles and 2) muscular activity upon exposure to helmets of different masses and elevated Gz forces in a long-arm centrifuge in high-performance aircraft personnel.MethodsEighteen participants underwent 12 weeks of functional strength training (n = 12) or the control protocol (n = 6) without additional strength training. Pre- and post-intervention tests included evaluations of isometric strength of the head extensor muscles, flexion, and lateral flexion and rotation, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the volume of the m. sternocleidomastoideus, m. trapezius, and deep neck muscles. Furthermore, during a long-arm centrifuge (+ 1.4 and + 3 Gz) protocol, the muscular activity levels of the m. sternocleidomastoideus, m. trapezius and m. erector spinae muscles were assessed without a flight helmet, with a helmet, and with a helmet and night vision goggles. Each participant’s perception of muscular strain was noted immediately after the long-arm centrifuge protocol.ResultsThe maximal isometric strength in all exercises and muscle volumes increased in the training group but not the control group (P < 0.05). Relative muscle activity (%MVC) with a helmet decreased after the intervention in the training but not the control group (P = 0.01). Relative muscle activity while wearing a helmet and night vision goggles was higher after intervention in the control group than in the training group (P < 0.01). The perceived muscular strain of the neck muscles induced by the long-arm centrifuge did not differ between the groups.ConclusionTwelve weeks of functional strength training improves the maximal isometric strength and volume of neck and shoulder muscles and leads to lower relative muscle activation upon exposure to elevated Gz forces in a long-arm centrifuge.
Highlights
Technological advancements in modern military and acrobatic jet planes have resulted in extraordinary psychophysiological loads being exerted upon flying personnel, including inducing neck and back pain
Technological advancements in modern military and acrobatic jet planes have reached a level that has resulted in the exertion of extraordinary psychophysiological loads upon flying personnel
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study examining the influence of a 12-week functional wholebody strength training program on the volume and strength of the neck and shoulder muscles and muscle activity and strain in high-performance aircraft personnel exposed to flight-specific hypergravity conditions induced by a centrifuge
Summary
Technological advancements in modern military and acrobatic jet planes have resulted in extraordinary psychophysiological loads being exerted upon flying personnel, including inducing neck and back pain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 12 weeks of functional strength training on 1) the volume and strength of the neck and shoulder muscles and 2) muscular activity upon exposure to helmets of different masses and elevated Gz forces in a long-arm centrifuge in high-performance aircraft personnel. Technological advancements in modern military and acrobatic jet planes have reached a level that has resulted in the exertion of extraordinary psychophysiological loads upon flying personnel. Two major processes influence a pilot’s performance at high + Gz: 1) the shifting of blood from the brain towards the lower extremities, leaving the pilot subject to loss of consciousness and control of the aircraft; and 2) a significantly increased risk of musculoskeletal injury [1,2,3,4]. Most complaints are not caused by pathological processes but emerge as muscular, nonspecific neck and back pain [8, 9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
