Injury Framework and Relevance of Physiotherapy of Upper Limbs` Injury and Pain Syndromes in Cadets of Higher Military Educational Institutions

Abstract

Aim: To justify the need of introduction of physiotherapy for the prevention and rehabilitation after injuries and pain syndromes of upper limbs in cadets. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted on the basis of the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy. At the first stage, data from the documents from the medical department on recorded injuries in the Academy cadets for the period 2018-2020 were analyzed. At the second stage, cadets of 1st, 2nd and 3rd courses of the Department of Combat Use of Forces were questioned about their experience of injuries and occurrence of pain syndromes. The total number of respondents equaled 256. Results: Analysis of medical data revealed that in 2018-2020 years there were 53 cases of injury in cadets. Fractures was on the top of the structure of registered injuries – 45% out of the total number of injuries; the cerebral injuries equaled 16% and bruises – 11%. Analysis of the experience of injury and occurrence of pain syndromes found that the most common were lower limbs` injuries (35% out of the total number of injuries indicated by the respondents), back injuries (25%) and upper limbs` injuries (15%) in cadets of all years of studying. According to the localization of injuries, they were distributed as follows: complaints of injuries in lower limbs were in 86 (35%) cadets; in the upper limbs – among 36 cadets (15%); back injuries was indicated by 62 (25%); the head injury – by 27 (11%), the neck injury – 17 (7%), the abdomen – 12 (5%), the chest injury was indicated by 6 (2%) respondents. Conclusions: The main part of complaints in cadets was occurrence of injuries and pain syndromes in lower and upper limbs, as well as in the back. Injuries of the upper limbs in cadets were a big problem throughout the training period, and in 16% of respondents, pain in the upper limbs was present for some period in recent month before the survey. The intensity of pain ranged from weak to severe.