Neck Muscle Fatigue Resulting from Prolonged Wear of Weighted Helmets under High G Acceleration

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA487277 | Open PDF

Abstract:

In search of guidelines for designing helmet-mounted systems without adding risk for additional pilot neck pain or injury, RHPG collaborated with the panoramic night vision goggle PNVG program office to begin this research. Neck muscles become fatigued as they work to stabilize the additional weight of helmet systems. The center of gravity CG of each individual helmet configuration varies according to the accessories attached. Neck strength measurements before and after high G simulations provided indications of muscle fatigue related to different helmets. Results show that volunteer test subjects tolerated the additional loads stabilized by their neck muscles when changes in CG are controlled. Questions remain unanswered concerning heavier helmets when CG cannot be controlled and how they might influence operational performance.

Author(s):
Eveland, Edward S. ; Esken, Bob ; Shouse, Nick ; Goodyear, Chuck ; Kane, Matt
Author Organization(s):
HUMAN EFFECTIVENESS DIRECTORATE WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH AIRCREW PROTECTION BRANCH
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. May 2004-Jun 2008
Supplementary Note:
Prepared in collaboration with 640th Aeronautical System Squadron, 312/326th Aeronautical System Wing, WPAFB, OH; Charles Goodyear, Statistical Consultant, Waynesville, OH; and Henry Jackson Foundation, Rockville, MD.
Pagination:
0034

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AFRL-RH-WP-TR-2008-0085
Task Number(s):
03
Project Number(s):
7184
Monitor Series:
AFRL-RH-WP
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy
Communities of Interest:
Biomedical
Descriptor(s):
*CENTER OF GRAVITY, *HIGH ACCELERATION, *NECK(ANATOMY), *FLIGHT HELMETS, ELECTROMYOGRAPHY, ENDURANCE(PHYSIOLOGY), FATIGUE(PHYSIOLOGY), MUSCLES, WOUNDS AND INJURIES, FLIGHT CREWS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Stress Physiology, Human Factors Engineering and Man Machine Systems, Protective Equipment
Keyword(s):
*MUSCLE FATIGUE, EMG(ELECTROMYOGRAPHY), HIGH G ACCELERATION, NECK INJURY, PE62202F, WUAFRL71840304
Report Date:
2008 Jun 01
Creation Date:
2008 Oct 15