Determinants of +Gz-related neck pain: a preliminary survey

The aim of the present study was to detect determinants of acute inflight neck pain in a cohort of 27 student fighter pilots frequently exposed to high +Gz forces. Strenuousness of work, job satisfaction, psychological distress, smoking habits, and frequency of muscle strength, muscle endurance, and aerobic training regimens were inquired about by questionnaire. Physical examination determined the subjects' height, body weight, body mass index, head and neck circumference, passive cervical range of motion, grip strength, and isometric strength of neck muscles. The frequency of muscle endurance training was the only possible determinant related to experienced acute inflight neck pain.