Neck and Back Strain Profiles of Rotary-Wing Female Pilots

摘要

The research objectives of this study were to: (1) assess the prevalence of neckand back symptoms in Navy helicopter aviators; (2) determine the magnitude of strain in neck and back muscles using electromyogram (EMG) signals associated with muscle contractions before, during, and after helicopter flights; (3) minimize neck and back fatigue during flight using specific neck and back strengthening exercises; (4) quantify the effect of various helmets with and without accessories (i.e., night vision goggles) in promoting neck(back strain both during actual and simulated flights); and (5) predict neck and back fatigue from a model of biomechanical variables. Using surface EMOs and video data, in-flight muscle activity and head-movement were quantified. The small number of subjects precluded comparisons between genders. Analysis of EMG suggested fatigue in the neck muscles during flight, but not in the back. Physical training with MedX equipment resulted in an increase in cervical rotation strength and time to fatigue during back extension. Limited studies were conducted on a jolt impact platform. Vibratory patterns on this simulator did not mimic in-flight vibration patterns, and the data collected were not used. These studies need to be replicated. A model predicting forces generated by helmet loading was developed.