Abstract
ObjectivesRoad marching is an important physical training activity that prepares soldiers for a common occupational task. Continued exploration of risk factors for road marching-related injuries is needed. This analysis has assessed the association between modifiable characteristics of physical training and injury risk. MethodsInjuries in the previous 6 months were captured by survey from 831 U.S. Army infantry soldiers. Road marching-related injuries were reported as those attributed to road marching on foot for specified distances while carrying equipment. Frequencies, means, and relative risk ratios (RR) for road marching-related injury with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were calculated for leading risk factors using multivariable logistic regression. DesignRetrospective cohort study. ResultsHalf (50%) of reported injuries were attributed to road marching or running. When miles of exposure were considered, injury risk during road marching was higher than during running (RRroad marching/running=1.8, 95% CI: 1.38–2.37). A higher product of road marching distance and weight worn (pound-miles per month) resulted in greater injury risk (RR≥1473 pound-miles/<1472=1.92, 95% CI: 1.17–2.41). Road marching-related injuries were associated with carrying a load >25% of one’s body weight (OR>25%/1-20%=2.09, 95% CI: 1.08–4.05), having high occupational lifting demands (OR50-100+lbs/25-50lbs=3.43, 95% CI: 1.50–7.85), road marching ≥5 times per month (OR≥5 times/4 times=2.11, 95% CI: 1.14–3.91), and running <4 miles per week during personal physical training (OR0/≥10 miles/week=3.56, 95% CI: 1.49–8.54, OR1-4/≥10 miles/week=4.14, 95% CI: 1.85–9.25). ConclusionsIdeally, attempts should be made to decrease the percentage of body weight carried to reduce road marching-related injuries. Since this is not always operationally feasible, reducing the cumulative overloading from both physical training and occupational tasks may help prevent injury.
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