AB0842-HPR The effect of core stability and flight time on low back pain in military helicopter pilots

Background

It is known that helicopter pilots experience low back pain frequently ¹. underlying factors could be vibration created compressive forces ² faulty movement mechanics, lack of abdominal strength, loss of flexibility, poor general health-fitness and poor posture³. Core stability parameters and flight time might be in relation to low back pain in helicopter pilots.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of core stability and flight time on low back pain military pilots.

Methods

21 pilots were assessed. Demographic information was recorded. Employment year and total flight time were recorded. McGill core endurance tests ⁴ and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire were done. Correlation analysis between Oswestry low back pain disability score and subjects’ year, employment year, total flight time and, core stability tests was done by using Spearman Correlation Co-efficient due to low number of subjects.

Results

A significant positive correlation between Oswestry low back pain disability score and subject’s year, employment year and total flight time were found, respectively (r=.55, p=.01; r=.52, p=.018; r=.53, p=.016). There were not any significant correlations between core endurance tests and Oswestry score (p>.05)

Conclusions

Low back pain increases with age, employment year and total flight time in helicopter pilots. It shows that low back complaints are work-related in and not related to core muscle endurance.

References

Thomae MK, Porteous JE, Brock JR, Allen GD, Heller RF. Back pain in Australian military helicopter pilots: a preliminary study. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1998;69(5):468-473. de Oliveira CG, Nadal J. Transmissibility of Helicopter Vibration in the Spines of Pilots in Flight. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. 2005;76(6):576-580. Pelham TW, White H, Holt LE, Lee SW. The etiology of low back pain in military helicopter aviators: prevention and treatment. Work. 2005;24(2):101-110. McGill S. Low Back Disorders. Evidence-Based Prevention and Rehabilitation. Champaign: Human Kinetics; 2002.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared