Neck exercises compared to muscle activation during aerial combat maneuvers

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Neck strengthening exercises are proposed to reduce neck injury in combat pilots.
• Limited data exists comparing these exercises to in-flight neck demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare neck muscle activation during specific exercises with in-flight G-force exposure.
• To evaluate the efficacy of different exercise modalities and intensities for pilot neck conditioning.

Main Methods:

• Eight non-pilot males performed neck exercises (elastic band, resistance machine) at varying intensities and directions.
• Six RAAF Hawk pilots flew sorties with varied G-z levels and head positions.
• Surface electromyography (EMG) measured neck and shoulder muscle activity in both scenarios.

Main Results:

• Elastic band exercises showed EMG levels comparable to +1 Gz in-flight conditions.
• 50% resistance machine exercises produced EMG levels similar to +3 Gz and +5 Gz flight.
• Higher resistance machine intensities (70-90%) yielded EMG levels exceeding those at +5 Gz.

Conclusions:

• Elastic band exercises may benefit pilots on low G-z missions.
• 50% resistance machine training effectively mimics neck loads for high G-z combat flight.
• Higher resistance intensities require caution due to unknown spinal loads and potential fatigue.