title: Functional test measures as risk indicators for low back pain among fixed-wing military pilots.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to find out the risk value of functional fitness test (FFT) results for low back pain (LBP) among fixed-wing military pilots.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 104 male military pilots were recruited for this study. The study was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire and FFT. The functional tests were performed in the beginning of study (baseline). The questionnaire was carried out at the baseline and 5 years later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The isometric low back endurance test result was associated with physical activity-related LBP experienced 5 years later. Demographic information was not associated with LBP. The prevalence of overall LBP was 71% and the flight-related LBP prevalence was 31% at the baseline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings show that LBP among military pilots is a common problem but it is also associated with tasks other than flying. The functional test results were not associated with flight-related LBP but adequate isometric back endurance may have protective role in LBP caused in physical activities. When trying to find the pilots with increased risk of flight-related LBP, a more sensitive set of tests should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Aeromedical Centre, Centre for Military Medicine, The Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Tuomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Honkanen
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kyröläinen
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Avela
authors.affiliation: Aeromedical Centre, Centre for Military Medicine, The Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mäntysaari
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000070356:Pilots; D015995:Prevalence; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: AVIATION MEDICINE; PAIN MANAGEMENT; PREVENTIVE MEDICINE