Medical flight crew perceived work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and related characteristics

Flight crews who provide stabilization and care for patients during air medical flights represent a specialty group, with unique safety, physical environment, and weather concerns, as well as patient care challenges. The purpose of this study was to identify the self-reported prevalence, location, and severity (frequency, duration, and intensity) of perceived work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and associated characteristics among flight crews, and to correlate any age-related differences between participants.

This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. An internet-based questionnaire was made available through a link from the Flightweb.com listserv to Survey Monkey. A convenience sample of 462 flight crewmembers responded.

Significant differences were found by age group for two of four musculoskeletal symptoms (frequency and duration were significantly different by age group). Those 39 and older had a greater proportion of having been previously diagnosed with arthritis or osteoporosis (2χ = 8.503, P = .004).

Age-related differences were believed to be a factor that contributed to more musculoskeletal complaints for older flight crewmembers; however, the data from this study only partially support that hypothesis. Flight crewmembers face a number of unique challenges that require maintaining physical strength and endurance.