BACKGROUND: A previous survey by Shear et al. revealed a high prevalence of back pain in Royal Navy helicopter aircrew, compared with controls. It was recommended that a second survey be undertaken, taking account of flying tasks and cockpit ergonomics. This was the purpose of the present investigation. METHOD: A questionnaire containing items on back pain and posture was circulated to all 246 acting pilots, with returns of 75%. The questionnaire sought information on pain in both the flying pilot and co-pilot/instructor roles. RESULTS: The 12-mo prevalence of back pain was 80%. Task-related back pain was greatest in instrument flying (72%) and least in the co-pilot and instructor roles (24%). Self-ratings of posture indicated that forward flexed trunk postures predominated in the flying roles and were most extreme in instrument flying. In non-flying roles, symmetrical, reclining postures were more often reported. No demographic or psychosocial variables were significantly related to back pain prevalence or disability. CONCLUSIONS: Much of the back pain experienced by helicopter pilots appears to be due to the posture needed to operate the cyclic and collective controls. In instrument flying, it is suggested that the visual demands of scanning the displays may exacerbate the pain by causing the pilot to lean further forward.
BACKGROUND: A previous survey by Shear et al. revealed a high prevalence of back pain in Royal Navy helicopter aircrew, compared with controls. It was recommended that a second survey be undertaken, taking account of flying tasks and cockpit ergonomics. This was the purpose of the present investigation. METHOD: A questionnaire containing items on back pain and posture was circulated to all 246 acting pilots, with returns of 75%. The questionnaire sought information on pain in both the flying pilot and co-pilot/instructor roles. RESULTS: The 12-mo prevalence of back pain was 80%. Task-related back pain was greatest in instrument flying (72%) and least in the co-pilot and instructor roles (24%). Self-ratings of posture indicated that forward flexed trunk postures predominated in the flying roles and were most extreme in instrument flying. In non-flying roles, symmetrical, reclining postures were more often reported. No demographic or psychosocial variables were significantly related to back pain prevalence or disability. CONCLUSIONS: Much of the back pain experienced by helicopter pilots appears to be due to the posture needed to operate the cyclic and collective controls. In instrument flying, it is suggested that the visual demands of scanning the displays may exacerbate the pain by causing the pilot to lean further forward.
Authors: Marieke H A Van den Oord; Judith K Sluiter; Monique H W Frings-Dresen Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2013-05-08 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Markus Posch; Alois Schranz; Manfred Lener; Werner Senn; Björn O Äng; Martin Burtscher; Gerhard Ruedl Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2019-01-29 Impact factor: 2.362
Authors: Joo Hyeon Byeon; Jung Won Kim; Ho Joong Jeong; Young Joo Sim; Dong Kyu Kim; Jong Kyoung Choi; Hyoung June Im; Ghi Chan Kim Journal: Ann Rehabil Med Date: 2013-10-29