The Relationship between Temperament, Somatotype and Some Anthropometric Variables and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Military Pilots: A Cross-Sectional Study

Musculoskeletal disorders are considered the primary health problem among military pilots. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between temperament, Somatotype and some anthropometric variables and prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in military pilots.

In this cross-sectional study which was conducted in 2020, in Tehran, 100 military pilots from selected Air Force bases were participated. Prediction of injury was assessed by functional movement screen test. The pilots’ temperaments were determined by the standard natural temperament questionnaire. Somatotype was calculated using the Heath-Carter method. Anthropometric data were also collected. The relationship between variables was evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression and the difference between different temperaments in the values of variables was evaluated by one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05).

The mean age, weight and functional movement screen score of the pilots were 34.36±5.94, 84.68±8.55 and 17.99±1.59, respectively. Between cold and wet temperament (P = 0.01), endomorphic component of somatotype (P = 0.001), weight (P = 0.001), Body mass index (P = 0.001), waist (P = 0.001), hip (P = 0.001), flexed arm (P = 0.004) and calf (P = 0.006) circumference had a significant negative relationship with functional movement screen test score. Functional movement screen test showed a significant positive relationship only with ectomorphic component (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between different temperaments in functional movement screen test score (P = 0.64). Multiple linear regression showed a significant negative relationship only between functional movement screen test score and endomorphic component (P = 0.01).

According to the results, it can be concluded that cold and wet temperament, weight, body mass index and endomorphic component of somatotype as individual characteristics are important factors that inversely related to functional movement screen test score of military pilots that should be considered.