ABSTRACT
Objective To test and evaluate the effect of neck muscular strength training for military pilots at different time durations based on a self-developed pilot neck muscle training device. Methods The neck muscular strength training device, CME-1, was used to train the military pilots and military smithery members for 2, 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. The isometric and changeable velocity and resistant (CVR) modes were performed and the neck muscular strength at those different time durations was measured to evaluate the training effect. Results For all 60 military pilots trained at different time durations, the average neck muscular strength and the mean value of peak impulse in 10 seconds in anteflexion, retroflexion, right/left lateroflexion were significantly improved after training (P0.05). For 11 military smithery members after 6 weeks’ training, both the average muscular strength and the mean value of peak impulse in 10 seconds in all directions were significantly enhanced (P<0.001), with the average muscular strength increased by 71.1％, 83.7％, 78.6％ and 75.2％ respectively, while the mean value of peak impulse in 10 seconds was increased by 136.9％, 138.5％, 114.1％ and 114.4％, respectively. Conclusions This study provides the physiological basis for establishing the military standards of neck muscular strength training for different fighter pilots, the proper method for training those pilots with low neck muscular strength, as well as the reference of neck muscular training duration and strength target for high performance aircrafts and carrier aircrafts.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate neck muscular strength（NMS） of the air force pilots and its role in the circumstance of aerial dynamics. Method The tests were performed by using CME-1 Neck Muscle Training Machine with 149 pilots volunteered as test subjects. Each individual’s maximal isometric NMS was evaluated in the extension, flexion, left and right lateral bending directions within a single day. The NMS in each direction was tested for 10 times to choose the maximal peak value in each direction as the NMS for data analysis. The mean of overall peak value in each direction was calculated as the mean neck muscular strength (MNMS). The ratio(r) between MNMS and NMS was calculated to reflect the neck muscular endurance in pilots. Results The NMS in the flexion, extension, and left and right lateral bending directions was （132.0±42.2)N, （205.2±82.2)N, （174.3±76.4)N and （191.2±78.3)N respectively，the NMS in the extension or flexion direction was significantly different (P<0.001) compared with NMS in all the other directions，and the right NMS was significantly higher than the left NMS(P<0.001). The ratios between MNMS and NMS in the flexion, extension and left and right lateral bending directions were 74.24%,72.86%,72.75% and 68.72% respectively. Conclusions To Maximize the efficiency in flight performance and minimize neck injuries induced by +Gz, fighter pilots should be encouraged to perform more on land neck muscle strengthening exercises and improve their head positioning techniques during flight.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the therapeutic effects of intermittent hypoxia therapy(IHT)in isolated systolic hypertension(ISH)patients with elevated cerebral blood flow velocity(Vp),and to explore the mechanisms involved.Methods Seventy-six ISH patients with increasing Vp and normal pulsatility index(PI)of the middle ce- rebral artery(MCA)were randomly divided into a therapy group and a control group.IHT was administrated in the therapy group,and air in the control group.The Vp and PI of the MCA and blood pressure(BP)were observed be- fore and after treatment.Results Vp and systolic blood pressure(SBP)were significantly reduced after IHT(P＜0.01)compared with the therapy group's scores betore treatment,but PI and diastolic blood pressure showed no sig- nificant difference.There was no significant change in BP,Vp or PI in the control group before or after treatment. Conclusion IHT has therapeutic effects on ISH by reducing Vp and moderating SBP.