Height and In-Flight Low Back Pain Association Among Military Helicopter Pilots

Abstract

These results imply that ergonomic stressors that adversely impact lumbar symmetry may be a predominant factor in LBP during flight. Significant prevalence rates may persist in the absence of design enhancements that mitigate these stressors. Height was a significant predictor for in-flight LBP among U.S. Navy helicopter pilots studied and BMI, TFHs, and airframe were not. For every 1" increase among male pilot height values, the odds of experiencing significant LBP in flight increased by 9.3%, with those equal/taller than median (71 in.) having over twice the odds compared with those shorter.