The Parachute Ankle Brace: Entanglements and Injuries After Controlling for Extrinsic Risk Factors
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that the parachute ankle brace (PAB) reduces ankle injuries during military airborne operations. This investigation reevaluated the PAB controlling for extrinsic risk factors. Injury incidence among airborne students wearing the PAB was compared to those not wearing the PAB. Covariate data were collected on extrinsic risk factors including wind speed, type of jump (administrative-nontactical versus combat load) and time of day (day versus night). A total of 596 injuries occurred in 102,784 jumps. After controlling for covariates in a multivariate model, students who did not wear the brace were 1.90 (95%CI=1.24-2.90) times more likely to experience an ankle sprain, 1.47 (95%CI=0.82-2.63) times more likely to experience an ankle fracture, and 1.75 (95%CI=1.25-2.48) times more likely to experience an ankle injury of any type. Injuries to other parts of the lower body (exclusive of the ankle) were not significantly influenced by the brace. The incidences of parachute entanglements were similar among students wearing and not wearing the PAB. Thus, after controlling for covariates known to effect injury rates, the PAB protected against ankle injuries and especially ankle sprains while not influencing parachute entanglements and other lower body injuries exclusive of the ankle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA472929
Entities
People
- Bruce H. Jones
- David Swedler
- Fred Manning
- Joseph J Knapik
- Keith G. Hauret
- Paul Amoroso
- Salima Darakjy
Organizations
- United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine