Effects of vehicle-ride exposure on cervical pathology: a meta-analysis.
Research to date on the effect vehicle-ride exposure has on the development of cervical pathologies in mounted Warfighters is conflicting. The purpose of this study was to determine if the literature suggests a definite effect of vehicle-ride exposure on cervical pathology. Databases were searched using multiple combinations of select terms. Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that overall vehicle-ride exposure was likely to increase cervical pathology (p=0.01, odds ratio=1.59, 95% CI=1.16-2.17). Using vehicle type as a moderator it was found that vehicle-ride exposure in ground-based vehicles (p=0.01, odds ratio=2.33, 95% CI=1.41-3.85) and fixed-wing aircraft (p=0.01, odds ratio =1.59, 95% CI=1.13-2.23) were likely to increase cervical pathology. Using operator/other personnel moderator it was found that in the populations tested, fighter pilots or fighter jet weapons systems operators were more likely to develop a cervical pathology (p<0.001, odds ratio=1.78, 95% CI=1.26-2.50). The available studies indicate an increase in cervical pathology for personnel exposed to ground-based vehicles and fixed-wing aircraft.
Department of Kinesiology and Health, Northern Kentucky University, USA.
Roger
R
Kollock
Kenneth
K
Games
Alan E
AE
Wilson
JoEllen M
JM
Sefton
D000401:Aircraft; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000070356:Pilots; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014732:Vibration