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Research Article
Matthias Tegern
Karolinska Institute
Corresponding Author
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background:
Pain and impaired function in the cervical region is common in Air Force personnel (AFP), but evidence is limited regarding the thoracic region. This cross-sectional cohort study examined associations between cervico-thoracic pain and physical performance among Swedish AFP and explored possible differences and similarities in test performance between fighter pilots (FP), helicopter pilots (HP) and rear crew (RC).
Methods:
AFP (n=73) from one airbase performed eight tests of movement control of the spine, active cervical range of motion (ROM) in all six directions and isometric strength and endurance of the cervical flexors and extensors. The association between test performance and cervico-thoracic pain (based on the ´Musculoskeletal screening protocol´ questionnaire) were analysed in a multiple binary logistic regression model.
Results:
For AFP with cervico-thoracic pain (30%), movement control was impaired in neck flexion (OR=3.61) and forward lean (OR=3.43) tests, together with reduced flexion ROM (OR=0.93). Test performance was in general similar between the three groups, but FP and HP could control the forward lean test to a higher degree than RC (p=0.000), FP were more flexible in lateral flexion to the right compared to HP and RC (p=0.000) and they showed higher flexor strength than RC (p=0.015).
Conclusions:
The impaired function associated with cervico-thoracic pain highlights the need for a deeper understanding of such relationships when designing tools to systematically optimize the physical performance and prevent pain among AFP. Studies with a longitudinal design are warranted to examine any causative associations between pain and impairments.
Keywords
Fighter pilots, Helicopter pilots, Rear crew, Musculoskeletal disorders, Physical performance; Prevention, Range of motion, Movement control, Isometric strength and endurance
Figure 1
No competing interests reported.
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
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Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 19 Feb, 2021
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Major revision
On 22 Mar, 2021
Reviews received
Received 16 Mar, 2021
Reviews received
Received 22 Feb, 2021
Reviews received
Received 17 Feb, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 11 Feb, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 10 Feb, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 09 Feb, 2021
Editor assigned
On 07 Feb, 2021
Editor invited
On 07 Feb, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 07 Feb, 2021
First submitted
On 04 Feb, 2021
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
Subject Areas
Physical Medicine & Rehab
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A new preprint design is coming!
We have improved readability, clarity, accessibility, and opportunities for engagement.
This preprint is under consideration at BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research Article
Matthias Tegern
Karolinska Institute
Corresponding Author
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 19 Feb, 2021
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Major revision
On 22 Mar, 2021
Reviews received
Received 16 Mar, 2021
Reviews received
Received 22 Feb, 2021
Reviews received
Received 17 Feb, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 11 Feb, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 10 Feb, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 09 Feb, 2021
Editor assigned
On 07 Feb, 2021
Editor invited
On 07 Feb, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 07 Feb, 2021
First submitted
On 04 Feb, 2021
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
Subject Areas
Physical Medicine & Rehab
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background:
Pain and impaired function in the cervical region is common in Air Force personnel (AFP), but evidence is limited regarding the thoracic region. This cross-sectional cohort study examined associations between cervico-thoracic pain and physical performance among Swedish AFP and explored possible differences and similarities in test performance between fighter pilots (FP), helicopter pilots (HP) and rear crew (RC).
Methods:
AFP (n=73) from one airbase performed eight tests of movement control of the spine, active cervical range of motion (ROM) in all six directions and isometric strength and endurance of the cervical flexors and extensors. The association between test performance and cervico-thoracic pain (based on the ´Musculoskeletal screening protocol´ questionnaire) were analysed in a multiple binary logistic regression model.
Results:
For AFP with cervico-thoracic pain (30%), movement control was impaired in neck flexion (OR=3.61) and forward lean (OR=3.43) tests, together with reduced flexion ROM (OR=0.93). Test performance was in general similar between the three groups, but FP and HP could control the forward lean test to a higher degree than RC (p=0.000), FP were more flexible in lateral flexion to the right compared to HP and RC (p=0.000) and they showed higher flexor strength than RC (p=0.015).
Conclusions:
The impaired function associated with cervico-thoracic pain highlights the need for a deeper understanding of such relationships when designing tools to systematically optimize the physical performance and prevent pain among AFP. Studies with a longitudinal design are warranted to examine any causative associations between pain and impairments.
Figure 1
No competing interests reported.
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
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