Neck and shoulder muscle activity and posture among helicopter pilots and crew-members during military helicopter flight.

Neck pain among helicopter pilots and crew-members is common. This study quantified the physical workload on neck and shoulder muscles using electromyography (EMG) measures during helicopter flight. Nine standardized sorties were performed, encompassing: cruising from location A to location B (AB) and performing search and rescue (SAR).

A method for quantitative measurement of lumbar intervertebral disc structures: an intra- and inter-rater agreement and reliability study.

Background: There is a shortage of agreement studies relevant for measuring changes over time in lumbar intervertebral disc structures. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop a method for measurement of intervertebral disc height, anterior and posterior disc material and dural sac diameter using MRI, 2) to evaluate intra- and inter-rater agreement and reliability for the measurements included, and 3) to identify factors compromising agreement.

Methods: Measurements were performed on MRIs from 16 people with and 16 without lumbar disc herniation, purposefully chosen to represent all possible disc contours among participants in a general population study cohort.

Increased neck muscle activity and impaired balance among females with whiplash-related chronic neck pain: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To investigate neck muscle activity and postural control in patients with whiplash-associated disorder compared with healthy controls.

Design: Cross-sectional study with convenience sampling.

Subjects: Ten females with whiplash-associated disorder (age 37.