Does a structured neuromuscular training program reduce the incidence of lower limb injuries in NZDF army recruits?

Abstract

Introduction: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) recruits are five times more likely than trained army personnel to sustain an injury. The majority of these injuries occur to the lower limbs. In a military environment injuries lead to significant costs in terms of time lost in working and training days, as well as increased attrition and decreased deployability. The aim of this research was to evaluate if a structured neuromuscular training program can reduce the incidence of lower limb injury and associated costs in army recruits.