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Changes in cervical spine bone mineral density in response to flight training
Fiona L Naumann1, Meghan C Grant, Satvinda S Dhaliwal
1School of Biomedical and Sport Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia. f.naumann@ecu.edu.au
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|March 17, 2004
Summary
High Gz-forces during flight training increased bone mass in trainee pilots' cervical spines. This study highlights the osteogenic potential of flight environments on bone density.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Bone Physiology
Background:
- Bone mass is influenced by high-magnitude loads and unusual loading patterns.
- Previous studies show positive Gz-induced loading has an osteogenic effect.
- Bone's response to loading is site-specific.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the site-specific bone response to loading in the cervical spine.
- To examine the effects of high-performance flight on cervical spine bone mass.
Main Methods:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were monitored.
- Study involved 9 trainee fighter pilots and 10 age-height-weight-matched controls.
- Pilots underwent an 8-month flight training course on a PC-9 aircraft.
Main Results:
- Trainee pilots showed a significant increase in cervical spine BMD and total body BMC.
- No significant changes in BMD or BMC were observed in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Flight training environments may contribute to increased cervical spine bone mass.
- Increased bone mass is potentially a response to strain from helmet/mask assembly under positive Gz forces.