Microsoft Word - isb_2011_KN.docx

INTRODUCTION Neck injuries are a common complaint of military aviators which often result in lost workdays, reduced functional performance in flight situations and may restrict or prohibit aviators furthering their flight careers [1]. These injuries have been mainly attributed to the high accelerative (+Gz) loads experienced during routine flying activities and the additional weight of flight helmets and helmet mounted night vision goggles (NVG) [2]. Electromyographic (EMG) readings collected from aviators in-flight from various muscle sites have been used to estimate neck muscle activation states, strain and fatigue. These studies have concentrated on fixed winged military aviators and have shown that aviators experience high and possibly unsafe loads on their necks during aerial combat manoeuvring [3]. There has been little study into the stresses placed upon the necks of military aircrew, especially military transport helicopter loadmasters, who routinely have to utilise NVG and scan flight paths whilst having their heads outside the aircraft thus being exposed to strong headwinds. The aim of this study was to quantify the level of neck muscle activation encountered by a loadmaster during repeated, intensive training exercises.