Postural control and shoulder steadiness in F-16 pilots: a randomized controlled study

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Human Factors Engineering
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Fighter pilots endure significant neck loads (50-70 kg) during maneuvering.
• Neck disorders are prevalent among pilots and linked to impaired muscle control.
• Previous research indicated a 24-week targeted training program effectively reduced pilot neck pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the underlying mechanisms of neck pain in fighter pilots.
• To understand how targeted training alleviates neck pain and improves physiological function.
• To assess changes in postural control and muscle steadiness following a neck pain intervention.

Main Methods:

• A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 55 F-16 pilots.
• Participants were assigned to either a control group (CG) or a training group (TG).
• Postural control was assessed using Romberg tests (eyes open/closed), unilateral stance, and perturbation; shoulder elevation force steadiness was also measured.

Main Results:

• A significant difference in postural control (Romberg test, eyes closed) was observed between groups post-intervention.
• The training group showed improved performance in the Romberg test with eyes closed compared to the control group.
• No significant baseline differences in postural control or steadiness were found between pilots with and without recent neck pain.

Conclusions:

• Impaired postural control and steadiness may be detectable primarily in pilots with acute, significant neck pain.
• There might be a ceiling effect limiting improvements in these parameters with current testing methods.
• More demanding testing protocols (e.g., increased repetitions, longer duration, eyes closed) are recommended for highly trained individuals.