Search results for "Aviation medicine"
showing 6 items of 6 documents
Functional test measures as risk indicators for low back pain among fixed-wing military pilots.
2015
Purpose The purpose of this study was to find out the risk value of functional fitness test (FFT) results for low back pain (LBP) among fixed-wing military pilots. Methods A total of 104 male military pilots were recruited for this study. The study was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire and FFT. The functional tests were performed in the beginning of study (baseline). The questionnaire was carried out at the baseline and 5 years later. Results The isometric low back endurance test result was associated with physical activity-related LBP experienced 5 years later. Demographic information was not associated with LBP. The prevalence of overall LBP was 71% and the flight-related L…
Effect of caffeine on simulator flight performance in sleep-deprived military pilot students.
2007
Caffeine has been suggested to act as a countermeasure against fatigue in military operations. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the effect of caffeine on simulator flight performance was examined in 13 military pilots during 37 hours of sleep deprivation. Each subject performed a flight mission in simulator four times. The subjects received either a placebo (six subjects) or 200 mg of caffeine (seven subjects) 1 hour before the simulated flights. A moderate 200 mg intake of caffeine was associated with higher axillary temperatures, but it did not affect subjectively assessed sleepiness. Flight performance was similar in both groups during the four rounds flown und…
European vestibular experiments on the Spacelab-1 mission: 2. Experimental equipment and methods
1986
A series of vestibular experiments were performed in conjunction with the first Spacelab mission, consisting of sets of pre-, in- and postflight tests. A multipurpose experimental apparatus used for the diverse flight and ground tests is presented. Additional apparatus together with the multi-purpose package were used in the baseline data collection facility at the landing site at NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility for the ground tests. The tests involved optokinetic, caloric and mechanical (whole-body or head-alone) stimulation. The latter included linear acceleration in the subject's x, y and z axes, static roll and yaw about an earth-vertical axis. Physiological parameters such as elec…
Relationships Between Physical Fitness, Demands of Flight Duty, and Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Military Pilots.
2015
Although the mechanisms of G-induced stresses on the spinal structure of military pilots are well understood, less is known about relationships between the intensity of physical activity, fitness, occupational musculoskeletal symptoms, and the degree of resulting disabilities. During an aeromedical examination, Finnish military pilots answered a questionnaire on their flying experience, the occurrence of flight duty-related pain, the degree of resulting disabilities, and the intensity of physical activity they conducted. 195 males were selected for further analysis. They were divided into three groups, designated high G, low G, and HQ, according to their current flight duty profile. 93% of …
Neck and Shoulder Muscle Activation Among Experienced and Inexperienced Pilots in +Gz Exposure
2017
Background The aim of the present study was to compare differences in electromyography (EMG) activation of the neck and shoulder muscles between groups of inexperienced and experienced pilots during controlled +Gz exposure in a centrifuge. Methods The subjects were volunteer cadets (inexperienced group) and lieutenants (experienced group) undergoing their first centrifuge training. The first group did not have any high performance aircraft (HPA) experience, while the latter one had a 1-yr experience of intense flying of HPA. During the centrifuge run, EMG activity was recorded from the left and right shoulder, neck flexor, and neck extensor muscles. Results The pilots without HPA experience…
Recurrent On-Duty Sleepiness and Alertness Management Strategies in Long-Haul Airline Pilots
2018
Introduction We examined whether long-haul airline pilots without recurrent on-duty sleepiness obtain more prior sleep and use more effective in-flight alertness management strategies than their colleagues with recurrent on-duty sleepiness. Methods There were 51 pilots who flew at least twice from Helsinki to Asia. Of them, 44 flew at least twice back to Helsinki following 1 local night. On-duty sleepiness was measured by the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), alertness management strategies by a diary, and sleep by a diary and activity monitor. Pilots who rated KSS ≥ 7 on each, some, or none of the flights were classified as "regularly", "sometimes", and "never" sleepy, respectively. This …