SEAT ANGLE EFFECTS ON DISC DEGENERATION FOR PILOTS IN HIGH-G ENVIRONMENTS

In aviation, pilots frequently encounter high-G environments, not only in operations but also in training. Pilots have reported high levels of injury to their neck and back as a result. It is hypothesized that this pain is linked to accelerated intervertebral disc degeneration, and research suggests that exposure to high G forces can accelerate intervertebral disc degeneration in the spine. Establishing a methodology to evaluate these effects is crucial to reduce the risk of spinal abnormalities in pilots. The impact of seat angle on disc degeneration during high-G maneuvers among F-16 pilots remains uncertain and requires further investigation to comprehend its role. This study utilized the Toyota Human Model for Safety (THUMS) to investigate how seat angles affect intervertebral discs using a loading profile that mirrors the forces experienced during centrifuge training. Effective stress data is collected to calculate the fatigue damage that occurs over time in the disc under different seat angles. This understanding can help develop effective training programs and preventive measures to protect pilots' health during training and operational missions.