Role of Gymnastics in the Army School of Physical Training

Abstract

As a result of a single spinal injury seen at Frimley Park Hospital, we reviewed the injuries recorded at the Army School of Physical Training since December 1996. This was a retrospective review of all acute accidents and injuries recorded in the Accident Book since its inception. Over 75% of the injuries that were serious enough to result in soldiers having their training terminated were as a direct result of gymnastic events such as vaulting, trampolining and somersaults. These events were also responsible for most of the small number of career-threatening injuries. This raises questions about the inclusion of gymnastic events in course training programmes, especially when considering its relevance to army training in general.