@article{, title = {Is backache a serious malady among Indian helicopter pilots: A survey report}, author = {Sharma, SK and Agarwal, A}, abstract = { Backache among helicopter pilots is a world wide malady, extensively studied, yet with no known remedy. Anecdotal reports and a few field based studies focussing on military aviators in India have also reported a varying incidence. Therefore an extensive questionnaire survey was undertaken among the helicopter pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and a civil organisation operating helicopter fleet to study the incidence of backache. The questionnaire included, besides other inputs, detailed information about their duty related activities including flying and personal life style. The return rate for completed questionnaires was 82.5 \textit{% (n-}165). The incidence of backache of varying severity was found to be 57.5 % (n = 95). 65.2 % (n = 62/95) of the respondents with backache reported that Chetak was the most notorious helicopter to precipitate back pain; with ferry sorties being most troubling (76.8%, π = 73). Respondents reported that they either had backache daily (22.1%) or once a week (25.2%). The pain was invariably located at the lower back for most of them (n = 79,83.1 %), with severity ranging from discomfort (n = 42,44.2%) to moderate pain (n = 46,48.2%). The relief from the pain occurred within 2 hours after flying task was over (n = 35,36.8%) or lasted for 2 to 6 hours (n = 30,31.5%). Only 12 (12.6%) pilots admitted that they sought medical attention once in the past one year for their backache, 3 (3.1 %) of these were advised bed rest with conservative management for a short period. The cause of pain was reported to be helicopter seat ergonomics (78.9%), vibrations during the flight (69.4%) and/or poor sitting posture in flight(49.4%). The suggested remedy to alleviate the back pain was provision of a support to the seatback during the sortie (53.6%) or daily exercise schedule for toning up muscles of the back (40%). The factors responsible for the reported incidence of backache, probable aetiological correlations and various remedial measures attempted in the Indian Air Force (IAF) are discussed. Considering that the backache in helicopter pilots is primarily related to posture during flying and sedentary lifestyle affecting the muscular tone of the spine, the preliminary recommendation of this study is the need for organised toning up exercise for the helicopter pilots. Aviation Medicine specialists can play a significant role in the development of such programme at the Station or unit level. In addition, pilots can be provided with lumbar supportfor use during the flight to maintain the lumbar lordosis. }, volume = 50, journal = {Indian Journal of Aerospace Medicine}, issn = {0970-6666}, issn = {2582-5348}, }