Injury Epidemiology of Unintentional Musculoskeletal Injuries in United States Air Force Special Tactics Forces

Abstract

A first step in the injury prevention process is determining the magnitude and scope of unintentional musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) in the target population. US Air Force Special Tactics (ST) are a distinct group of Special Operations Forces Operators who maintain a high level of tactical readiness for their unique mission set. PURPOSE: To describe the injury epidemiology, including type, location, and activity when injury occurred, of ST utilizing a guided self-reported injury questionnaire. METHODS: A total of 95 ST Operators were enrolled (Age: 27.8 ± 5.4 years, Height: 177.3 ± 6.1 cm, Mass: 82.6 ± 8.6 kg) in the study. Self-reported injury history was collected by a certified athletic trainer for a one-year period. A MSI was defined as an injury to the musculoskeletal system that resulted in alteration of tactical activities, tactical training, or physical training for a minimum of one day, regardless if medical attention was sought. Injury data was categorized based on injury type, activity, mechanism of injury across all and preventable injuries (PIs). PIs were defined as an unintentional injury that may be reduced through injury prevention programs. Incidence, frequency, anatomical location, and activity were described for all injuries and injuries classified as preventable. RESULTS: The frequency of total injuries (TIs) was 33.7 MSIs while PIs was 15.8 MSIs/100 Operators/year. The incidence of TIs was 24.2 MSIs while PIs was 12.6 injured Operators/100 Operators/year. The upper extremity was the most commonly injured anatomic location followed by the spine and lower extremity for both TIs and PIs. Physical training was the most reported activity for TIs and PIs with 76.5% of TIs reported during PT as preventable. CONCLUSIONS: The current epidemiology data demonstrates that 46.9% of MSIs are preventable. AFSOC has recently integrated a human performance team across their squadrons in order to counter the risk of injury and to optimize performance. The results of the current study should guide the human performance team’s effort to mitigate MSIs and extend the career longevity and quality of life of the ST Operator. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author and not necessarily endorsed by the Department of Defense, US Air Force, or US Air Force Special Operations Command. Supported by AFMC/AFRL FA86501226271