Musculoskeletal diseases among French military high-speed boat pilots

Abstract

In 2016, the French Navy acquired a new high-speed boat, called ECUME. It exposes crewmembers to significant Whole Body Vibrations. This work explores the musculoskeletal diseases among this population. We conducted a retrospective declarative epidemiologic study using anonymous questionnaires. Eighty-four sailors were included. Fifty-six (66.7%) report acute traumas during a nautical raid during the 12 months study period. Sixty (71.4%) report chronic pains, which they associate with their nautical activity. Among them, only 16 (26.7%) have consulted a doctor, but 32 (53.3%) report consuming medication, including 18 through selfmedication. More than half rely to alternatives medicine, especially osteopathy. The traumatic risk of ECUME riding is obvious. Many crewmembers minimize their symptoms, and consult rarely a physician. They give preference to selfmedication and alternative medicines.

Keywords:

• Military personnel
• musculoskeletal diseases
• naval medicine
• occupational diseases
• ships
• whole-body vibrations

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the “Commando Ponchardier” for agreeing to participate in this study. No funds were received for this study.

Disclosure statement

Neither conflicts of interest, nor competing interests have to be declared.

Consent to participate and for publication

The data reported in this manuscript were obtained from an anonymous survey. Sailors were free to answer the questionnaire or not; participation was voluntary

Availability of data and material

The data reported in this manuscript were obtained from an anonymous survey. Sailors were free to answer the questionnaire or not; participation was voluntary. The variables and relationships examined in the present article have not been examined in any previous or current articles, or in any papers that will be under review soon.

Code availability

Data were keyed into the Microsoft® Office Excel entry software, and the statistical analyses were conducted using the Microsoft® Office Excel and Medistica® Pvalue.io software.