Survey of Injuries and Injury Risk Factors in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, November 2014 - January 2015
Abstract
At Fort Stewart, as in other Army populations, injuries are the leading cause of medical encounters, leading to limited duty days and impacting the readiness of military units. Purpose: To assess injuries among Soldiers from two battalions in 3ID-2BCT (1-30BN and 3-15BN). Methods: Demographics, APFT performance, self-assessed fitness, unit and personal physical training programs, leadership support perceptions, and injury history were collected by electronic survey from members of 3ID-2BCT, November 2014-January 2015. Descriptive statistics were reported and independent factors associated with injuries were determined through multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 831 members out of 1,395 Soldiers in 3ID-2BCT completed the survey (60% response rate). Over one third (37%) of respondents reported at least one injury in the past 6 months. Common injury types were sprains and strains (40%) and tears (15%). Frequently injured body parts were the knee (23%), lower back (17%), and ankle (12%). Leading mechanisms were overuse/repetitive activities (46%), single overexertion/twisting efforts (17%), and falls (16%). Leading activities associated with injury were running for physical training (27%), marching with a load (22%), and weightlifting for physical training (10%). Factors associated with injury included age above 34 years, officer rank, unit and personal physical training activities, and perceptions about leadership support. Conclusions: The most common injuries among respondents in 3ID-2BCT were sprains and strains to lower extremities due to physical training and marching with a load, as well as back injuries from weightlifting and occupational lifting. Injury prevention initiatives should focus on injuries related to running, road marching, and weightlifting. Leadership should regularly review the current status of unit injuries, and educate Soldiers on common causes and recommendations to reduce injury.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1036189
Entities
People
- Anna Schuh-renner
- Bruce H. Jones
- Michelle Canham-chervak
Organizations
- United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine