Evaluating the Impact of a Spine Training Program on Air Force Student Fighter Pilots

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Fighter aircrew experience high rates of flight-related neck pain (98% in a 2022 survey).
• Lack of consensus exists on best practices for mitigating aircrew pain and injury.
• Eglin Air Force Base (EAFB) implemented a mandatory 8-week standardized spine training program (STP) for F-35A student pilots (SPs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if completion of the STP led to significant differences in Cervical Endurance Hold (CEH) time.
• To test the hypothesis that SPs with dedicated training hours exhibit significant adaptations.

Main Methods:

• SPs from EAFB (F-35A) and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB, F-15E) were studied from 2022-2024.
• EAFB SPs underwent an 8-week STP; CEH was measured pre-training, post-8 weeks, post-air-to-air, and post-training.
• SJAFB SPs did not undergo STP; CEH was measured pre- and post-training.

Main Results:

• A significant positive effect of the STP on CEH time was observed post-intervention (P<.001).
• The improvement in CEH was maintained throughout the Flying Course (P=.013).
• Significant differences in STP effects were found between EAFB and SJAFB groups (P=.008).

Conclusions:

• The 8-week STP resulted in significant improvements in CEH outcomes.
• The benefits of the STP were sustained post-training, indicating a potential long-term protective effect.
• Further research comparing flight profiles and duty limitations between sites with and without STP is warranted.