Self-reported musculoskeletal acute and overuse injuries among Latvian infantry soldiers

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuryis the leading cause of disability among different military populationsthat results in socioeconomic burden and negatively affects military readiness. Study aim wasto describe self-reported musculoskeletal injuries among Latvian infantry soldiers during one-year period. Survey-based cross-sectional studywas carried out. Data was assessed using survey about injuries that occurred in one-year period during annual medical check-up.Musculoskeletal injuries were classified accordingto body regions as it is in Barellinjury matrix and by injury type –acute or overuse.Study results showed in one-year injury incidence rate was 867.8casesper 1000 person-years (95% CI 824.8 –913.0) with total 197 musculoskeletal injuries reported among active duty infantry soldiers.Typical acute injuries were superficial contusion injuries (n=24), fractures (n=21), joint dislocations (n=21) and sprains (n=29). Typical overuse diagnoses were lower back pain (n=42), patellofemoral pain syndrome (n=11), medial tibial stress syndrome (n=9), plantar fasciitis (n=8). Present study showed high incidenceof overuse back injuries and overuse and acute lower leg injuries. Mostly of reported injuriescould be classified as preventable andshouldbe reduced through injury reduction programmes