Brasileiro, Jamilson SimõesFurtado, Priscilla Rique2022-12-132022-12-132022-09-09FURTADO, Priscilla Rique. Dor lombar em pilotos de caça da Força Aérea Brasileira: fatores correlacionados e efeitos de um protocolo de exercícios. Orientador: Jamilson Simões Brasileiro. 2022. 89f. Tese (Doutorado em Fisioterapia) - Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, 2022.https://repositorio.ufrn.br/handle/123456789/50122Introduction: International studies present data on the incidence, prevalence and risk factors for low back pain in jet pilots. However, in Brazil, this population still needs to be studied. With respect to treatment, there is evidence that core stabilization, strength, and endurance training contributes to lowering lower back pain in the general population. However, we did not find studies evaluating the effects of these exercises on fighter pilots with pain. Objectives: Study I= To investigate the effects of an exercise protocol on low back pain in Brazilian Air Force fighter pilots. Study II= To determine the incidence and prevalence of spinal alterations in fighter pilots using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and to assess if the Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) of the multifidus, the strength and resistance of the trunk muscles were associated with the development of low back pain after a year. Materials and methods: Study I=Fourteen pilots with chronic low back pain were randomized into two exercises groups: Stabilization exercise group (GEE-n=7, exercises twice a week for 12 weeks) and the Regular exercise group (GER – n=7). Assessments were performed before and after the training period. The primary outcome was low back pain intensity, and the secondary outcomes were neck pain, functional disability, range of motion, maximal isometric strength and trunk muscle endurance. Study II= Twelve fighter aspirants performed clinical and MRI assessments at the beginning and end of the first year of fighter training. MRI was used to assess musculoskeletal changes of the lumbar spine and AST of the left multifidus muscles was used to assess the muscles trophism. Anthropometric data, work hours, physical exercise routine, intensity of chronic low back pain and disability were also assessed. Results: Study I= The GEE had a significant reduction in low back pain compared to the GER participants (2.28-point difference, p=0.01) at the end of the exercise protocol. The strength of the trunk muscles was maintained in this group, while the control group had a decrease in right trunk flexion strength (mean difference: -3.71%, p=0.04). There were no differences between the groups in disability levels, range of motion or resistance to fatigue between the groups. Study II = Pilots with higher multifidus CSA at the beginning, had less pain after a year (r=-0.64, p=0.02). There was a high prevalence of changes in the spine by MRI at the beginning of the year, especially ligament swelling due to overload (83%). There were no changes in MRI findings after 1 year. There was a decrease in trunk strength and extension resistance after one year. However, it was not associated with low back pain. Conclusion: Study I= The exercise protocol for core stabilization reduced low back pain in fighter pilots. Study II= The multifidus CSA was associated with low back pain in the first year of fighter flight and may be an important parameter for pilots ‘health monitoringAcesso AbertoTerapia por exercícioDinamômetro de força muscularDor nas costasFatores de riscoImagem por ressonância magnéticaPilotosdoctoralThesisCNPQ::CIENCIAS DA SAUDE::FISIOTERAPIA E TERAPIA OCUPACIONAL