Reliability of a Flight Helmet-Attached Force Gauge in Measuring Isometric Neck Muscle Strength

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Fast jet pilots face risks of neck pain and disability from flight maneuvers.
• Strong neck muscles are crucial for mitigating these risks.
• Objective measurement of neck muscle strength is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliability of a helmet-mounted force gauge for measuring isometric neck muscle strength.
• To evaluate both intra- and interrater reliability of the device.
• To determine the clinical applicability of this measurement method.

Main Methods:

• 41 subjects performed isometric neck flexion, extension, and lateral flexion.
• Measurements were taken across multiple sessions to assess intrarater and interrater reliability.
• The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used for reliability analysis.

Main Results:

• Good overall interrater reliability (ICC 0.79-0.90) was observed.
• Intrarater reliability varied from moderate to good (ICC 0.58-0.84).
• Flexion and lateral flexion tests showed good reliability; extension showed the lowest.

Conclusions:

• The helmet-attached force gauge is a reliable and safe tool for assessing isometric neck strength.
• The method is clinically applicable for evaluating neck strength in flexion and lateral directions.
• This technology can aid in preventing pilot neck injuries.