A survey of centrifuge subjects assessing the relationship between repeated +Gz exposures and chronic back pain.
Research using human centrifuges has been done for many years. Long-term follow-up of such subjects has not been carried out previously. To evaluate whether there is an increased incidence of back problems in former centrifuge subjects, we did a retrospective questionnaire survey of 20 subjects with significant centrifuge exposure histories to moderate G levels at least 5 to 10 years ago, and two USAF active duty, age-matched control groups (former hypobaric subjects and naive subjects). The results revealed no increase in back pain or injury in the study group. The only significant indicators for back pain or injury in our study population are a history of tobacco use and increasing height. Moderate G exposures were not a predictor of subsequent back pain. We recommend a larger prospective study controlling for intensity, profile and duration of G exposure.
Voge
V M
VM
Naval School of Health Sciences, Ft. Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA.
Tolan
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D000328:Adult; D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002498:Centrifugation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D018471:Hypergravity / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015994:Incidence; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States