Lumbar spine and hip flexibility and trunk strength in helicopter pilots with and without low back pain history

Takashi Nagai, John P. Abt, Timothy C. Sell, Karen A. Keenan, Nicholas C. Clark, Brian W. Smalley, Michael D. Wirt, Scott M. Lephart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues facing military helicopter pilots. It is clinically important to identify differences in musculoskeletal characteristics between pilots with and without a LBP history for formulating effective interventions. OBJECTIVE: To compare lumbar spine and hip flexibility and trunk strength in pilots with and without a LBP history. METHODS: A total of 30 pilots with a LBP history were matched with pilots without a LBP history. An isokinetic dynamometer and a digital inclinometer were used to evaluate trunk and hip strength and a range-of-motion (ROM), respectively. All tests were performed bilaterally, if applicable, and agonist/antagonist ratios and side-to-side (low/high) symmetries were calculated. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests were used to assess group differences (p < 0.050). RESULTS: The LBP group demonstrated significantly lower trunk extension strength and trunk extension/flexion strength ratio (p < 0.008). The LBP group demonstrated significantly less lateral flexion ROM as well as greater lateral flexion and rotation side-to-side asymmetry (p < 0.009). The LBP group demonstrated significantly greater total hip rotation side-to-side asymmetry (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Given the results, specific exercises that are targeted to improve trunk strength, ROM, and side-to-side symmetries could be developed to reduce LBP in helicopter pilots.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)715-722
Number of pages8
JournalWork
Volume52
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 3 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Range-of-motion
  • aviators
  • military
  • musculoskeletal
  • side-to-side symmetry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lumbar spine and hip flexibility and trunk strength in helicopter pilots with and without low back pain history'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this