{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2025,5,15]],"date-time":"2025-05-15T04:16:02Z","timestamp":1747282562123,"version":"3.40.5"},"reference-count":23,"publisher":"Aerospace Medical Association","issue":"4","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2025,4]]},"abstract":"<jats:p><jats:bold>INTRODUCTION:<\/jats:bold> Operators of rotary wing aircraft and high-performance jet aircraft often face musculoskeletal pain and cervical spine injury risks due to flight-related factors, including heavy vibrational and g-loading, abrupt head maneuvering, and a large number of flight hours. This study explores the use of a portable lightweight resistance band exercise device (PLED) to strengthen and stretch neck musculature, potentially mitigating these risks.<\/jats:p>\n<jats:p><jats:bold>METHODS:<\/jats:bold> A multi-aircraft study building on an initial pilot study of 10 high-performance jet aircraft aviators involved both active-duty aviators and civilians. Over 6 wk, subjects engaged in targeted PLED-based exercises. Baseline and endpoint measurements were obtained. Quantitative measurements assessed range of motion (ROM) and endurance, while Visual Analog Scale reports tracked pain. A total of 47 subjects consented, with 26 completing the protocol. There were 21 subjects who were either lost to follow-up or withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.<\/jats:p>\n<jats:p><jats:bold>RESULTS:<\/jats:bold> Analysis of this interventional study showed significant ROM improvement, increased muscular endurance, and reductions in pain magnitude. Subjects reported improvements in flexibility, strength, stiffness, and pain relief. Active-duty aviators noted improved ROM, quicker postflight recovery, and reduced in-flight pain.<\/jats:p>\n<jats:p><jats:bold>DISCUSSION:<\/jats:bold> This collaborative Department of Defense-academia-Department of Veterans Affairs research highlights the effectiveness of regular PLED-based cervical musculature exercises in enhancing ROM and endurance. While promising, further research with larger datasets is needed to support definitive recommendations. Moreover, the study\u2019s findings may benefit a broad population engaging in activities that stress the cervical spine and surrounding musculature.<\/jats:p>\n<jats:p><jats:bold>Keller RJ, Rosenthal R, Dalal S, O\u2019Conor D, Ramachandran V, Vandeven S, Butler N, Shivers B, Shender B, Jones JA. <jats:italic>Exercise regimen for mitigation of neck pain in military aircrew and support personnel<\/jats:italic>. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(4):314\u2013321.<\/jats:bold><\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3357\/amhp.6288.2025","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,4,3]],"date-time":"2025-04-03T00:08:39Z","timestamp":1743638919000},"page":"314-321","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Exercise Regimen for Mitigation of Neck Pain in Military Aircrew and Support Personnel"],"prefix":"10.3357","volume":"96","author":[{"given":"Ryan J.","family":"Keller","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Reece","family":"Rosenthal","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Sawan","family":"Dalal","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Daniel","family":"O\u2019Conor","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Vignesh","family":"Ramachandran","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Sheryl","family":"Vandeven","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Nicole","family":"Butler","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Bethany","family":"Shivers","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Barry","family":"Shender","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Jeffrey A.","family":"Jones","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1911","reference":[{"issue":"10","key":"B1","series-title":"Aerosp Med Hum Perform.","first-page":"907","article-title":"Conservative management of mechanical neck pain in a helicopter pilot","volume":"86","author":"Alagha B.","year":"2015","unstructured":"Alagha B. 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