Neck training and +Gz-related neck pain: a preliminary study

This study compared the effects of two neck training methods on workdays lost or flying under +Gz restrictions because of +Gz-related neck pain, and on neck muscle strength and the passive cervical range of motion among fighter pilots. One group (n = 10) participated in dynamic neck and shoulder muscle training, and another (n = 10) participated in helmet training with additional weights. The measurements were done at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. The loss of workdays or restrictions in +Gz flights were recorded during the 1-year training period and the year preceding it. Neck muscle strength increased similarly in both groups. Nevertheless, during the training year, the pilots doing dynamic exercises had fewer sick leaves and +Gz restrictions than the pilots doing helmet exercises. Because the number of subjects was small and the study included no control group, firm conclusions on the effects of the training methods cannot be drawn.