The purpose of this project is to investigate the occurrence of neck and back pain in a population of commercial helicopter pilots, and investigate factors related to the profession that can cause these problems. The project has a biological approach assessing the supporting and stabilizing muscles (multifidus) in pilots with chronic back and neck ailments. Pilots with low back problems are invited to a controlled intervention trial to investigate whether one can achieve improved spinal health with a rigid training régime. Primary trial outcome is improved neck and back multifidus muscles pathology and function as assessed by the extent of fat infiltration -as visualized on MRI - and the volume and ability of the lumbar multifidus muscles to contract as shown with ultrasound. The perceived effect on spinal health with sick leave frequency is also evaluated.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
325
Excentric / concentric extension type exercises
Traditional low back training
Research Dep. Stavanger University Hospital Armauer Hansens vei 20 PB 8100 4068 Stavanger
Stavanger, Norway
Multifidus muscle fat infiltration (% of muscle volume).
Primary trial outcome is improved neck and back multifidus muscles pathology and function as assessed by the extent of fat infiltration as visualized on MRI (% of muscle volume).Change from baseline at 12 months.
Time frame: one year
Lumbar multifidus muscles contractability.
Volume and ability of the lumbar multifidus muscles to contract as shown with ultrasound (% of expansion during reflex activation)Change from baseline at 3,6,9,12 and 24 months.
Time frame: Two years
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