Evaluating a prototype device designed to alleviate night vision goggle induced neck strain among military personnel.
The purpose of this study was verify the design of a novel Helmet System Support Device (HSSD) that can be used by military aircrew to help intervene on and reduce the high prevalence of neck trouble. Twelve healthy participants repeated simulated helicopter aircrew tasks on 3 separate days. On each day they wore a different helmet configuration, where measures of performance, perceived demand/preference and muscular demand were recorded. The results showed that vigilance tasks were performed over 10% faster with the HSSD configuration compared to wearing the normal helmet configuration. Participants were able to maintain static (endurance) postures for 28% longer, and use of the HSSD helped to prevent neck muscle fatigue in the most demanding task. The results of this design verification study indicate that the HSSD may be a realistic, feasible near-term solution to intervene on the high prevalence of neck trouble among rotary-wing aircrew. Practitioner Summary: This paper verifies the effectiveness of the Helmet System Support Device (HSSD) as an on-body personal protective device to help control exposures associated with aircrew neck trouble. The HSSD reduced perceived demand, reduced cumulative muscle activity in select muscles and provided improved fatigue resistance, meeting its desired design objectives.
a School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University , 28 Division Street, Kingston , ON , Canada , K7L 3N6.
Jenna
J
Dibblee
a School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University , 28 Division Street, Kingston , ON , Canada , K7L 3N6.
Portia
P
Worthy
b Defence Research and Development Canada , Toronto , ON , Canada.
Philip
P
Farrell
c Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , Queen's University , Kingston , ON , Canada.|d Thumbprint Solutions Inc. , Stouffville , ON , Canada.
Markus
M
Hetzler
a School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University , 28 Division Street, Kingston , ON , Canada , K7L 3N6.
Susan
S
Reid
a School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University , 28 Division Street, Kingston , ON , Canada , K7L 3N6.
Joan
J
Stevenson
a School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University , 28 Division Street, Kingston , ON , Canada , K7L 3N6.
Steven
S
Fischer
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000401:Aircraft; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004576:Electromyography; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009334:Neck Muscles; D055096:Optical Devices; D000070356:Pilots; D011187:Posture; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
aircrew; biomechanics; ergonomic design; helmet; neck trouble