Injuries and Injury Risk Factors in the U.S. Army Band, U.S. Army Field Band, and Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Abstract
U.S. Army Band members have unique injury risks resulting from occupational tasks such as standing, marching, and maintaining nonneutral postures for extended periods during performances and rehearsals. To investigate injuries, injury causes and activities, and injury risk factors among members from the three premier Military District of Washington/National Capital Region Army Band units. Respiratory conditions were also investigated upon request as well as audiology test data given the potential noise exposures in the population. Demographics, personal characteristics, fitness performance, occupational safety and health behaviors, and recent injuries were collected and combined from medical records, training records, and electronic survey responses from Oct-Dec 2018. Statistics were reported and independent factors associated with injuries were identified through multivariable logistic regression. About half of the band members (n=221, 49%) completed the survey. Over three-quarters of all band members had a medical encounter for injury and/or a self-reported injury Oct 2017-Dec 2018. Most injury diagnoses were for cumulative micro-traumatic overuse injuries. Frequently injured body regions were the lower extremities, upper extremities, and back. Leading reported activities associated with injury were running, repetitive movements while playing, and standing while playing. Factors associated with injury included female sex, older age, lower physical fitness, marching and/or standing during rehearsals and performances, and infrequent replacement of footwear worn while playing. Injury prevention initiatives for band members should focus on the reduction of injuries resulting from overuse and repetitive motions. Potential prevention strategies include participation in balanced personal physical training, instruction from certified fitness professionals, adhering to ergonomic recommendations, footwear changes, planned rehearsal breaks, and leadership support.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1134062
Entities
People
- Anna Schuh-renner
- Bruce H. Jones
- Catherine Rappole
- Michelle Canham-chervak
- Tyson Grier
Organizations
- United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine