Blog post from our Kinetic Care Group DPT Chad Rieckenberg: Ergonomic strategies for combat fighter pilots.
During air to air combat fighter pilots spend 68% of the time with their head out of neural in extension or in the combination of extension and rotation.
Brown et al in 2004 found that the erector spinea muscle experiences a maximum voluntary contraction of 40-80% when flying under +Gz. This maximal voluntary contraction can be reduce by half by bracing with the hand against the jets canopy. This occurs for only 25% of the combat engagement. These findings are also consistent with muscle activation of the sternocleidomastoid with the combination of cervical extension and rotation.
Brown et al. also reported a reduction in cervical muscle strength by 35% post flight indicating the need for rest. Muscle fatigue and frequent flights with insufficient rest have the potential to result in flight related injury.
This is why ergonomic related flight strategies are needed to reduce the stress applied to the spine during flight under +Gz. These strategies also help reduce the risk of flight endured whiplash when used correctly. So educating those pilots coming in for physical therapy can prolong their career and reduce injury incidence.
Chad Rieckenberg
Chad Rieckenberg PT, DPT is a board certified physical therapist with a doctorate in physical therapy from UCSF/CSU Fresno and is currently the senior Doctor of Physical Therapy at Bacci and Glinn Physical Therapy Hanford.