Efectos de un programa de fisioterapia multimodal en pilotos de caza con dolor cervical relacionado con el vuelo: ensayo clínico no controlado

Introduction

Flight-related neck pain has been defined as a specific clinical entity in fighter pilots. The mechanisms underlying its development may be related to the physical and cognitive demands of combat flying. However, there is no clear consensus on the most effective approach to its treatment.

Objective

To analyse the effects of a 4-week multimodal physiotherapy programme combining supervised laser-guided neck exercise and electro-massage (consisting of manual therapy and interferential current) on the workplace in fighter pilots with flight-related neck pain.

Methods

A total of 14 fighter pilots with flight-related neck pain were recruited. The intervention consisted of 8 sessions (twice weekly) for 4 weeks. A follow-up period of 4 weeks was established. Perceived pain intensity, pain threshold to pressure, cervical disability, active cervical range of motion, cervical joint repositioning error, kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing were assessed.

Results

Statistically significant changes (P<.05) were obtained in all variables analysed at immediate post-treatment. These differences were maintained between baseline measurement and 4-week follow-up except for catastrophizing, kinesiophobia and right and left cervical rotation.

Conclusions

These results support that the proposed multimodal physiotherapy programme could improve symptoms arising from flight-related neck pain in fighter pilots.