NECK TRAINING AND -RELATED NECK PAIN - A PRELIMINARY-STUDY(GZ)

This study compared the effects of two neck training methods on workda ys lost or flying under +Gz restrictions because of +Gz-related neck p ain, and on neck muscle strength and the passive cervical range of mot ion among fighter pilots. One group (n = 10) participated in dynamic n eck and shoulder muscle training, and another (n = 10) participated in helmet training with additional weights. The measurements were done a t 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. The loss of workdays or restrictions in +Gz nights were recorded during the 1-year training period and the year pr eceding it. Neck muscle strength increased similarly in both groups. N evertheless, during the training year, the pilots doing dynamic exerci ses had fewer sick leaves and +Gz restrictions than the pilots doing h elmet exercises, Because the number of subjects was small and the stud y included no control group, firm conclusions on the effects of the tr aining methods cannot be drawn.