A Randomized Controlled Trial of Core Strengthening Exercises in Helicopter Crewmembers with Low Back Pain

作者：Brandt Yvonne; Currier Linda; Plante Timothy W; Kabban Christine M Schubert; Tvaryanas Anthony P^*

来源：Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance, 2015, 86(10): 889-894.

DOI：10.3357/AMHP.4245.2015

• disability
• whole body vibration
• ergonomics

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine if five core strengthening exercises would decrease pain severity and related disability in U.S. Air Force helicopter aircrew members with low back pain.
METHODS: The study was a randomized control group repeated measures design. The experimental manipulation consisted of a set of five core strengthening exercises performed 4 d/wk for 12 wk. Self-reported pain severity and disability were ascertained at baseline and 12 wk using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (MODI), respectively. The NPRS was used to ascertain both daily pain (NPRSdaily) and in-flight pain (NPRSflight). Self-reported improvement or deterioration in low back pain was measured using the Global Rating of Change Scale (GRCS).
RESULTS: There were 12 subjects enrolled and 5 were randomized to the intervention group. The mean NPRSflight score decreased 1.8 points vs. increasing 0.1 points during the trial for the intervention and control groups, respectively. The mean MODI score decreased 4.8 points vs. increasing 1.7 points during the trial for the intervention and control groups, respectively. The mean GRCS score at the end of the trial was 4.0 vs. 0 for the intervention and control groups, respectively. There was no difference between groups in terms of mean NPRSdaily scores.
CONCLUSIONS: Core strengthening exercises were effective in reducing in-flight pain and led to a reduction in pain symptoms and disability over the 12-wk study period as compared to those subjects who maintained their regular exercise regimen.

• 出版日期2015-10
• 单位中国人民解放军空军电子技术研究所