[Usefulness of the lumbar support cushion for pilots of military helicopters]. / Upotrebna vrednost rasteretnog lumbalnog jastuka kod pilota vojnih helikoptera.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the possibility of prevention of local reflex hyperactivity of the paraspinal muscles as the one of causes of low back pain during long-term sitting in forced position. We examined eight pilots, with low back pain during and after flying tasks. In improvised conditions, sitting position was performed in an equal term as the real, with and without lumbar support cushion. The pause between two examinations was 24 to 48 hours. Activity of paraspinal muscles was measured by surface electromyography, just after the ended sitting position. In six out of eight our subjects was decreased EMG activity after using the lumbar cushion, in comparison to values registered after sitting without cushion in comparison to values registered after sitting without cushion. We concluded that reflex hyperactivity of the paraspinal muscle could be prevented with lumbar cushion which, on the other hand can improve working and operative capabilities of the pilots, and simultaneously is rational from economic point of view.

[Back ache in helicopter pilots]. / Bol u ledima pilota helikoptera.

Due to low back pain (LBP) and harmful effects of flying, questionnaires were sent to 71 helicopter pilots of the experimental group, 22 mechanics helicopter flyers and to the control group of 28 air-traffic controllers. The prevalence of LBP was the highest in helicopter pilots, then in helicomechanics and air-traffic controllers (53%, 50% and 36%). Effects of exposure to vibration, body posture and working load have not contributed significantly to the occurrence of LBP. LBP has not lead to an important difference in the strength of the back musculature, body mass index and spondylosis, that is, scoliosis. The necessity of further study of LBP and maintaining of specific preventive measures are indicated.