Stretching and Self-Myofascial Release in Helicopter Aircrew to Reduce Neck and Back Pain (Phase 1)

CONCLUSION: Aircrew back and neck pain because of flying is well documented. However, there is no standardized stretching protocol for aircrew to perform immediately preflight or postflight in U.S. Naval Aviation. This study demonstrated that PPS, a simple 5- to 7-min stretching routine, gives aircrew structure and can reduce postflight cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and overall pain. This phase proved to be safe as no adverse events were reported. The prehabilitation aspect could reduce conventional medical intervention, costly pharmacological management of neck and back pain, and be applied to other aviation populations in military and civilian communities.PMID:36734163 | DOI:10.1093/milmed/usad015

Source: Military Medicine - February 3, 2023 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: James B Walsh Andrea F McGlynn Curtis L Hardy George C Armas Hadley M Sulpizio Martin R Wright Source Type: research