Takashi Nagai1, Mita Lovalekar2, Meleesa F Wohleber2, Katherine A Perlsweig2, Michael D Wirt2, Kim Beals2. 1. Warrior Human Performance Research Center & Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, USA. Electronic address: tnagai@pitt.edu. 2. Warrior Human Performance Research Center & Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, USA.
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries have negatively impacted tactical readiness. The identification of prospective and modifiable risk factors of preventable musculoskeletal injuries can guide specific injury prevention strategies for Soldiers and health care providers. OBJECTIVES: To analyze physiological and neuromuscular characteristics as predictors of preventable musculoskeletal injuries. DESIGN: Prospective-cohort study. METHODS: A total of 491 Soldiers were enrolled and participated in the baseline laboratory testing, including body composition, aerobic capacity, anaerobic power/capacity, muscular strength, flexibility, static balance, and landing biomechanics. After reviewing their medical charts, 275 male Soldiers who met the criteria were divided into two groups: with injuries (INJ) and no injuries (NOI). Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and significant predictors of musculoskeletal injuries (p<0.05). RESULTS: The final multiple logistic regression model included the static balance with eyes-closed and peak anaerobic power as predictors of future injuries (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current results highlighted the importance of anaerobic power/capacity and static balance. High intensity training and balance exercise should be incorporated in their physical training as countermeasures.
Musculoskeletal injuries have negatively impacted tactical readiness. The identification of prospective and modifiable risk factors of preventable musculoskeletal injuries can guide specific injury prevention strategies for Soldiers and health care providers. OBJECTIVES: To analyze physiological and neuromuscular characteristics as predictors of preventable musculoskeletal injuries. DESIGN: Prospective-cohort study. METHODS: A total of 491 Soldiers were enrolled and participated in the baseline laboratory testing, including body composition, aerobic capacity, anaerobic power/capacity, muscular strength, flexibility, static balance, and landing biomechanics. After reviewing their medical charts, 275 male Soldiers who met the criteria were divided into two groups: with injuries (INJ) and no injuries (NOI). Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and significant predictors of musculoskeletal injuries (p<0.05). RESULTS: The final multiple logistic regression model included the static balance with eyes-closed and peak anaerobic power as predictors of future injuries (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current results highlighted the importance of anaerobic power/capacity and static balance. High intensity training and balance exercise should be incorporated in their physical training as countermeasures.
Authors: Stefan Sammito; Vedran Hadzic; Thomas Karakolis; Karen R Kelly; Susan P Proctor; Ainars Stepens; Graham White; Wes O Zimmermann Journal: Mil Med Res Date: 2021-12-10