Biomechanical Analysis and Injury Prediction in Pilots With Lumbar Spondylolysis Under Different Seat Inclination Angles

ABSTRACT Background This study aims to quantify the biomechanical effects of different seat inclinations on the normal and spondylolysis lumbar of pilots under typical fighter aircraft maneuver loads, providing data support for optimizing lumbar protection measures. Methods Initially, three‐dimensional lumbar finite element models of normal, as well as unilateral and bilateral L5 spondylolysis, were constructed, whose effectiveness was verified through mesh convergence and experiments involving vertebral range of motion and lumbar frontal impact. The models were then subjected to rapid pull‐up and stable hovering maneuvers to specifically analyze the correlation between seat inclination angles (17° and 22°) and lumbar injuries with different spondylolysis states. Results The results indicate that the biomechanical responses of three lumbar models under both seat angles remain below injury thresholds. However, the occurrence of spondylolysis at a 22° angle poses a higher risk. Conclusion These findings are expected to provide a theoretical basis for optimizing seat designs and formulating lumbar protection strategies for pilots with spondylolysis.