Effect of spinal extension on functional status of marine equipment operators: retrospective study

INTRODUCTION. Marine equipment operators are susceptible to the negative effects of prolonged sedentary work, which can strain the musculoskeletal system. This static position places constant strain on the spine, causing pain, poor posture, and reduced blood flow to the brain. To prevent and address these issues, V. S. Kostanbaev’s team developed the Gravislider-Mini device, which provides gentle spinal traction under the patient’s own weight. The device is equipped with a special carriage with a headrest, allowing for comfortable head positioning and preventing injury. Despite growing scientific interest in the positive effects of this method on the body, no specific study has been conducted on marine equipment operators. OBJECTIVE. To study the effects of spinal traction on the functional state of marine equipment operators. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A controlled, randomized study of the functional status of marine equipment operators (n = 60) was conducted. A multiparametric analysis method was used, including ECG, stabilometry, psychophysiology,   and the SAN questionnaire. Marine equipment operators worked on simulators for 4 hours and were examined after their shift and the following morning. The study group (n = 36) underwent spinal traction (Gravislider-Mini) for 30 minutes, while the control group (n = 24) did not. Statistics were processed using IBM SPSS v23 using MANCOVA and ANCOVA. The interaction of factors (“Group” × “Study Number”) and the effect of age were examined. Age-adjusted marginal means are presented. Significance criterion: p < 0.05. RESULTS. The analysis showed a significant influence of the “Group” factor on the visual analyzer (V = 0.293; F = 4.385; p < 0.001), especially in the aspects of accommodation and visual acuity (η² = 0.147–0.140; p < 0.01). “Age” turned out to be the most important factor, which explained 34.6% of the variance and negatively affected the accommodative volume and lability (r < 0; η² = 0.228–0.086; p ≤ 0.024). Statokinetic parameters depend on the “Group” factor (V = 0.224; F = 2.020; p = 0.071) mainly through body deviations in the frontal plane (F = 5.026; p = 0.029; η² = 0.084), which increase after the working day (T = 2.508; p = 0.015). Psychophysiological parameters demonstrate significant intergroup differences (V = 0.449; F = 3.749; p < 0.001), with the best parameters being observed in the spinal traction group (η² = 0.126–0.115;   p < 0.01). Heart rate variability changes significantly under the influence of the combination of study number and group (V = 0.689; F = 3.371; p < 0.001); Age plays a leading role (58.9%). Vascular system parameters weakly correlate with these factors, but small changes in the frontal rheographic index were revealed (F = 5.124; p = 0.027; η² = 0.082). DISCUSSION. The data obtained demonstrate an improvement in the functional state of the participants who underwent spinal traction: decreased tension in regulatory mechanisms, increased parasympathetic activity, reduced stress, and accelerated recovery. The control group, on the other hand, showed increased cortical arousal and impaired recovery processes after exercise. The study confirmed stabilization of physiological parameters after the procedure, improved coordination, and improved performance. These results are consistent with previous studies, emphasizing the importance of a personalized approach to fatigue prevention and improved work performance. CONCLUSION. The study demonstrated the positive impact of gentle spinal traction on the functional status of marine equipment operators. Improvements in statokinetics, brain balance, frontal cerebral blood flow, and cardiovascular parameters were noted. Multivariate statistical methods excluded age-related factors, confirming the method’s effectiveness. Based on the obtained results, spinal traction can be considered as a means of preventing the early development of degenerative diseases and improving the performance of naval personnel.

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