Citation

Dibblee J, Worthy P, Farrell P, Hetzler M, Reid S, Stevenson J, Fischer S. Ergonomics 2015; 58(12): 2067-2077.

Affiliation

a School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University , Kingston , ON.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00140139.2015.1046500

PMID

25932658

Abstract

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 three 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.

Language: en