Krzysztof R. Radziszewski, Jan W. Talar

Krzysztof R. Radziszewski, Jan W. Talar – The impact of light parameters in high-performance aircaft on the occurence of degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Fizjoterapia Polska 2001; 1(4); 385-388

Abstract
Background. Conditions during flight have an essential impact on the degenerative changes taking place in the spine. In military aviation, especially in jet aircraft, the work of the pilot is associated with constant exposure to the operation of such harmful factors as vibration, overload, and acceleration plus G-forces. The goal of our research was to attempt to answer the question as to whether specific conditions of flight in high-performance aircraft gave an essential impact on the appearance of degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Material and methods. The research involved 58 patients with pain in the cervical spine. The experimental group was comprised of 28 pilots of high-performance aircraft. The evaluation involved the degree of advancement of degenerative changes, the functional status of the spine, and the neurological status of the patients. The control group consisted of 30 patients with pain in the cervical spine belonging to professional groups not associated with aviation. Results. We found that the specific conditions during flight experienced by the pilots of high performance aircraft have an essential impact on the appearance of degenerative changes in the cervical spine. These changes take on greater intensity with the accumulation of deleterious factors occurring during flight. The functional status of the spine is correlated with the radiological image. Conclusion. Preventive action to strengthen the spinal musculature and maintain normal mobility have a favorable impact on the neurological status of pilots.

Key words:
aircaft pilot, smilitary aircaft, overload, Acceleration, Vibration

Invalid download ID.

Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim