Spinal Symptoms in Aviators and Their Relationship to Aircraft Types

Lee, Yoon Young; Jung, Chan Kwon; Chung, Seung Soo; Choi, Tae Sung; Choi, Jae Moon

Abstract

BACKGROUND
By frequent G-exposures cervical and lumbar spinal symptoms may be the factors to limit their flying performance and causes of acute and chronic spinal diseases. We examined not only the frequency and degree of spinal symptoms but inter-relationship between these symptoms and several factors according to aircraft type.
METHODS
We surveyed 244 ROKAF aviators by questionnaires attending aerospace-medical aviator physiology class of aeromedical center.
RESULTS
Exposured gravities are 8.23, 6.02, 5.89 and 5.38 +Gz in pilots of F-16, F-5, F-4 and trainer aircraft respectively. Pilots of trainer aircraft were most frequently exposured to a gravity in a month. 72.5% of F-16 aviators had neck pain and 82.6% of trainer aircraft low back pain. Spinal symptoms limited checking 6 in about 55% of aviators and air combat maneuver in over 30% of aviators.
CONCLUSION
To improve combat performance by alleviation of spinal symptoms aircraft aviators may rest sufficiently and had better keep a correct posture while +Gz exposures. We need to invent stretching exercises for relaxing muscle stress and correct seating frame of aircraft. Skilled medical team and instruments for physiotherapy also needed in airbases.