Gender Differences in General Muscular Strength and the Impact on Aircrew Operational Effectiveness
A D Woodrow
Biomechanical properties of bone and muscle required for aircrew to effectively operate in the flight environment have been well documented through the evolution of aircraft and human mounted equipment. The incidence of muscular strain in flight is often overlooked due to lack of self reporting. The present scoping study examined gender differences in strength through a review of the basic occupational demands related to muscle strength, reports the results of research addressing the issue of muscle strength and offers considerations for future work and programmes that may be useful in preparing aircrew for injury free duties in flight.
A representative sample of RAF aircrew from fast jet, transport and rotary wing airframe and crew positions were interviewed to ascertain subjective workload in flight. The results from the interviews revealed that very few of the tasks highlighted were related to routine, non-emergency tasks but individual concern over the issue of stamina versus strength was commonly expressed. Standardised strength tests may screen for general capability but are unlikely to identify the specific requirements a particular task places on an ndividual during emergency conditions.
Evaluation of current muscle strength activities with operational significance-anti-g straining manoeuvres, upper body and grip strength and leg strength are highlighted as are methods of improving strength for specific activities. Although overall strength in women is two thirds that of men, the authors point out the differences must be measured in context of operational workload on the muscles.
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