The Relationship of Static Anthropometric Measurements to Lower Leg, Ankle, and Foot Injuries in Air Force Academy Cadets: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Abstract
The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the relationship between static anthropometric measures or demographical information and overuse injuries in the lower leg, ankle and foot. Lower leg, foot and ankle injuries have always been a problem for military recruits. Loss of duty time, expensive rehabilitation costs and dismissal from active military duty have been consequences of these injuries. For the military population, there is a strong need to know not only the benefits but also the short-term risks of exercise. Even relatively benign injuries, such as sprained ankles, can be costly in terms of loss of training time and reduced combat readiness of soldiers. No study to date has investigated the United States Air Force for the purpose of injury prevention Ankle and foot anthropometric measurements were taken bilaterally from 204 United States Air Force Academy cadets. Demographic information, fitness level and lower extremity function were also assessed. All subjects were followed for six months and all injuries sustained to the lower leg, ankle and foot were recorded. Chi-square and regression analyses were performed at a level of significance set a priori at p < 0.05 for all variables to assess their relationship to injury incidence. Demographic information, fitness level, lower extremity functional level and six dependent variables measurements were not significantly related to injury after chi-square testing. Binary logistic regression analysis for all variables demonstrated a significant relationship between navicular drop, total talocrural range of motion, total supination, fitness level and injuries to the lower leg, ankle and foot. However, the strength of the correlation was low for all findings, with r square of 0.031 for the navicular drop results and r square of 0.031 for talocrural range of motion, fitness level, and total supination results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA392331
Entities
People
- Thomas W. Mcmahon
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology