Prevalence of Neck and Back Pain amongst Aircrew at the Extremes of Anthropometric Measurements

Abstract : Back and neck pain are a significant cause of morbidity among helicopter aircrew. The majority of studies evaluating the influence of anthropometry are limited to body mass index and stature. Nine anthropometric parameters were measured and a survey was issued to 88 aviators. Weight and neck circumference distribution were skewed to the right and not representative of 98 percentile distributions. Helmet size did not correlate well with reported helmet size. Eighty-two percent of responses reported flying related back pain and the most common complaint was lack of back support in current aircraft configuration. Posture was cited as a contributory factor on 67 percent of all aircrew surveyed, but no one anthropometric measure predicted postural complaints. Aircrew with more flying hours were most likely to report severe back pain. Fifty-eight percent of aviators reported neck pain when flying and individuals with smaller sitting height, fewer flying hours, of heavier NVG counterbalance weight reported less neck pain.