Acceleration effects on neck muscle strength: Pilots vs. non-pilots

Abstract

Background: Conditioning of neck muscles, if any, due to repeated exposures to +Gz forces has received little research attention. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the neck muscle strength of test volunteers representative of the general populations of fighter aircraft pilots and non-pilots. Methods: The tests were performed using a special attachment device on a computerized dynamometer. Ten pilots and ten non-pilots volunteered as test subjects. Each individual's maximal isometric neck muscle strength was evaluated in the extension, flexion, and left and right lateral bending directions in a single day. Peak values from the measurements were used for data analysis..