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INTRODUCTION: Sport parachuting from aircraft (skydiving) is a major aerial activity in which parachutists are subject to decelerating forces during parachute opening shock (POS), possibly as much as 3-5 G. While traumatic incidents related to POS have been reported, epidemiological data on musculoskeletal pain among skydivers is absent in the literature. The aim was therefore to examine the prevalence of self-rated musculoskeletal pain related to POS in a skydiver population and elicit related risk factors. METHODS: There were 658 Swedish sport skydivers who completed a structured web-based questionnaire (70% response rate; email invitation) validated for use in skydivers. The questionnaire concerned individual and skydiving-related risk indicators, and musculoskeletal pain experiences. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between risk indicators and musculoskeletal pain related to POS. RESULTS: The 12-mo prevalence of musculoskeletal pain related to POS was highest for the neck region, 25% (95% CI = 21.4-28.2). Other upper-body regions were as follows: shoulder 16% thoracic spine 10%, and lower back 18%. A high number of parachute jumps in the last 12 mo, i.e., 30-90 jumps (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.7), > 90 jumps (RR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.3-3.4), and a high main parachute wing-loading, i.e., > 1.4 lb/ft2 (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.6) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Neck pain related to POS was common among skydivers. A high number of parachute jumps the last 12 mo and high wing-loading emerged as risk factors, suggesting that highly active skydivers using small canopies may be at risk. Studies on biomechanics under POS are suggested. Language: en

Parachuting injuries are well-known medical problems in military and recreational skydiving. However, little is known about sub-clinical incidents such as those involving the opening shock. To date, there is no validated questionnaire for epidemiological purposes that identifies relevant exposures among skydivers. A web-based platform has been recognized as a convenient approach for data collection in the Swedish skydiving population. The present aim was, therefore, to validate such a web-based questionnaire for wide assessment of pain incidents and related risks among Swedish skydivers.Initially, a web-based questionnaire was developed and piloted with 102 skydivers. Content and face validity were then systematically assessed by an independent panel of seven experts in three developing stages before the form was finalized by the present authors in a consensus panel. The reviewers were medical (N = 5) and skydiving (N = 2) experts. Content validity was rated on a four-point Likert-type ordinal scale. The item content validity index (I-CVI) was the proportion of experts rating an item as acceptable (score 3-4) while scale-CVI was the proportion of acceptable items in the questionnaire. Face validity was achieved with open-ended reviews.Of the 19 items in the final web-based questionnaire, 18 reached an I-CVI of 0.86 or higher, with the last item reaching an I-CVI of 0.71. The overall scale-CVI was 0.95. Face validity for the final version was assessed as 'good' or 'really good'.The present web-based questionnaire is considered valid for further use in studies investigating epidemiological and clinical aspects among skydivers.

INTRODUCTION: Parachuting injuries are well-known medical problems in military and recreational skydiving. However, little is known about sub-clinical incidents such as those involving the opening shock. To date, there is no validated questionnaire for epidemiological purposes that identifies relevant exposures among skydivers. A web-based platform has been recognized as a convenient approach for data collection in the Swedish skydiving population. The present aim was, therefore, to validate such a web-based questionnaire for wide assessment of pain incidents and related risks among Swedish skydivers. METHODS: Initially, a web-based questionnaire was developed and piloted with 102 skydivers. Content and face validity were then systematically assessed by an independent panel of seven experts in three developing stages before the form was finalized by the present authors in a consensus panel. The reviewers were medical (N = 5) and skydiving (N = 2) experts. Content validity was rated on a four-point Likert-type ordinal scale. The item content validity index (I-CVI) was the proportion of experts rating an item as acceptable (score 3-4) while scale-CVI was the proportion of acceptable items in the questionnaire. Face validity was achieved with open-ended reviews. RESULTS: Of the 19 items in the final web-based questionnaire, 18 reached an I-CVI of 0.86 or higher, with the last item reaching an I-CVI of 0.71. The overall scale-CVI was 0.95. Face validity for the final version was assessed as 'good' or 'really good'. CONCLUSIONS: The present web-based questionnaire is considered valid for further use in studies investigating epidemiological and clinical aspects among skydivers. Language: en