The Predictors of Low Back Pain in Helicopter Pilots
Abstract
Objective: Helicopter pilots frequently complain about low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of age, body mass index, total flying hours, smoking habit, regular sports participation and core endurance on LBP, and to determine the predictors of LBP in helicopter pilots.
Methods: Twenty-one military helicopter pilots (29.09±6.52 years) were assessed. Demographic information and total flying hours were recorded. Low back disability was evaluated with the Oswestry low back disability questionnaire. The prone bridge test, side bridge test, supine isometric chest raise test and Sorenson test were conducted to assess the core endurance. The parameters affecting the Oswestry disability score were analyzed with the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify the independent predictors of the Oswestry score. Dependent variable was the Oswestry score, and the independent variable were age, body mass index, total flying hours, smoking habit, regular sports participation, the prone-bridge, side-bridge, Sorenson and supine isometric chest raise test scores.
Results: The low back disability was correlated with age and total flying hours (r=0.55, p=0.015; r=0.53, p=0.01). Results of the linear regression showed that age, total flying hours, smoking status, regular sports participation, the side bridge test score, the prone bridge test score were all the predictors of low back disability (R2=0.54, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Increased total flying hours, smoking habit, sedentary lifestyle, the impaired back muscle endurance and age negatively affected the low back disability status. Modification of the lifestyle and improving the endurance of the back muscles might positively affect the disability level due to the LBP in helicopter pilots.
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