Effect of guided training on physical performance and musculoskeletal disorders among helicopter crew
Tuomas Honkanen, Atte Etula, Heikki Kyröläinen, Roope Sovelius, Ilkka Laaksi, Tommi OjanenAbstract
Study Aim
Helicopter crew is exposed to vibration and unergonomic working positions leading to musculoskeletal disorders. The impact of training programs on the physical performance and further, musculoskeletal disorders is not well known. The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of the self-guided and guided training periods on the physical performance of helicopter pilots and crew, and to further investigate the relationship between physical performance and spinal disorders.
Material and methods
Physical fitness was assessed prior and after individual and guided training intervals among voluntary military helicopter pilots and crew members ( n = 33). The assessments included maximal isometric force, explosive power of the upper and lower extremities and muscle endurance of the core muscles. An evacuation test focused for anaerobic capacity, while mobility was assessed using the 1080 MAP © mobility test. Participants completed exercise diaries in both intervals.
Results
The guided training showed a significant positive relationship between improvements in back and abdominal muscle strength and mobility, whereas individual training did not show similar results. Over the past year, nearly three-fourths of the participants experienced neck-shoulder or lower back pain. Negative relationships existed between neck-shoulder pain and abdominal and back muscle strength, as well as between lower back pain and the modified abdominal test.
Conclusion
Supervised physical training seems to improve physical performance and reduce pain symptoms among helicopter pilots and crew. It is, however, essential to increase guided exercise access and participation, especially for those soldiers with low activity levels.