Female Recruits Research Articles

Multivitamin Compliance Reduces Injuries of Female Recruits at Air Force Basic Training: A Randomized Controlled Cohort Study.

Department of the Air Force basic military training (BMT) is the 7.5-week initial entry training for all enlisting U.S. Air Force and Space Force recruits. Overuse musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) during training threaten success in BMT, and trainees with nutritional deficiencies are at higher risk. Several efforts are made at BMT to mitigate these issues to help trainees graduate on time, such as the distribution of multivitamins (MVI) to female recruits. However, trainee compliance with the prescribed MVI has been reported to be low, calling into question the effectiveness of this intervention. This study evaluated the effect of briefing modality offered to these trainees at the time of distribution on educational effectiveness, MVI compliance, and injury rates. This was a randomized controlled cohort study of BMT female trainees. Subjects included all female trainees of a single iteration of BMT concurrently completing training within the same squadron. At the outset of training, cohorts were randomly educated in one of two ways regarding the provided MVI. The control cohort (n = 80) was presented with the standard educational video created by BMT-registered dietitians, while the test cohort (n = 79) was presented the video and then also briefed in-person by a group of subject matter experts. At the end of BMT, the trainees completed a questionnaire regarding their knowledge, confidence, and compliance with the MVI. Additionally, a routinely collected training database was queried and analyzed for differences in injuries and training outcomes using the chi-squared test with significance set to α ≤ 0.05. Although both cohorts found their educational presentation useful, the "in-person" cohort reported significantly higher compliance rates and were found to be diagnosed with MSKI and bone stress injuries at significantly lower rates (43% and 66% relative risk reductions, respectively). Education to female BMT trainees regarding the MVI, which included a face-to-face discussion with subject matter experts, resulted in greater compliance and reduced incidence of MSKI and bone stress injury, compared to a video prepared by registered dietitians alone. Such educational approaches should continue to be strived for in this and other military population health measures. This study's implication of MVI efficacy for injury risk reduction in female trainees should be further studied, verified, and improved upon in this and other populations.

The Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence, Knowledge and Practice of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Among Female Recruits in Basic Training

OBJECTIVETo describe the prevalence, and severity of urinary incontinence (UI) among female recruits during basic training and their knowledge and practice of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Furthermore, to determine if there is a relationship between the severity of UI and PFMT knowledge and practice. METHODSThis correlational study’s utilized a demographic and health questionnaire, a UI questionnaire [International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF)], and a PFMT questionnaire- Short version of the Patient-reported Outcome Measures (PFMT-P)]. RESULTSThe study included 349 female recruits with a mean age of 18.17 (± 0.390). The prevalence of UI was 26.7%, with a low mean of 2.03 (± 3.893) on the ICIQ-SF. PFMT knowledge level of was moderate, 1.46 (± 0.790), and the mean practice of PFMT was low, 2.51(± 1.180). No significant correlation was found between the ICIQ-SF score and the level of knowledge, rs=-0.09, p=0. 092. There was a weak but significant correlation between the ICIQ-SF score and PFMT practice, rs=0.170, p.= 0.003. CONCLUSIONSA little more than a quarter of the female recruits reported UI with a low severity. A relationship was found between UI and PFMT practice.

High Physical Exposure During Female Recruits' Basic Military Training inSweden-A Descriptive Study.

There is a knowledge gap concerning the occurrence of physical complaints/injuries, i.e., musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), among Swedish women who undergo basic military training (BMT). The aims were to describe prevalence and factors related to MSD and explore physical exposure and performance in Swedish female recruits during BMT. A total of 144 females (mean age 22 years) who underwent BMT in 2016 participated in this cross-sectional study. Data regarding self-reported MSD, physical performance, physical activity and exercise, motivation and mental and physical preparation, and physical exposure during BMT and perceived health were collected at the end of BMT through the Musculoskeletal Screening Protocol questionnaire. Additional data on muscle strength were retrieved from IsoKai isokinetic lift tests. Descriptive and analytic (paired samples t-test and logistic binary regression) statistics were used. The prevalence of MSD was high, with 33% (n = 48) reporting MSD before BMT, 78% (n = 113) during, and 50% (n = 72) at the end of BMT. Knee and upper back were the most frequently reported MSD locations. Forty-four (30%) participants felt insufficiently physically prepared for BMT. The physical exposure was high with loaded marches/runs and carrying heavy loads as the most demanding tasks. The longest walking distance was reportedly 55 km, and the reported maximum load was 50 kg. Forty-five participants (31%) had carried a load representing over 50% of their body weight. Most participants reported good to excellent health at the end of BMT. There was a small (8 N) but significant (P = 0.045) increase in mean force over time. Two variables, MSD before BMT (odds ratio 2.24, P = 0.03) and being physically unprepared (odds ratio 3.03, P < 0.01), were associated with MSD at the end of BMT. This study showed that the prevalence of MSD in Swedish female recruits was high before, during, and at the end of BMT, with knee and upper back as the most frequent locations. Although the physical exposure during BMT was occasionally high, self-rated health was mainly perceived as good to excellent at the end of BMT. Previous MSD and being physically unprepared were related to MSD at the end of BMT. These important and relevant findings indicate the necessity for implementing interventions to increase physical fitness and treat MSD at the beginning of BMT.

Regional Changes in Density and Microarchitecture in the Ultradistal Tibia of Female Recruits After U.S. Army Basic Combat Training

Musculoskeletal injuries, such as stress fracture, are responsible for over 10-million lost-duty days among U.S. Army Soldiers. During Basic Combat Training (BCT), an 8- to 10-week program that transforms civilians into Soldiers, women are four times more likely than men to sustain a stress fracture. In this work, we performed high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans on the ultradistal tibia of 90 female recruits [age = 21.5 ± 3.3 (mean ± standard deviation) years] before the start of BCT and after 8 weeks into BCT. Then, we divided the scanned bone volume into four sectors—lateral, posterior, medial, and anterior—and computed the bone density and microarchitectural parameters in each of the four sectors pre- and post-BCT. We used linear mixed models to estimate the mean difference for bone density and microarchitectural parameters, while controlling for age, race, and pre-BCT body mass index. Our results revealed that the total volumetric bone mineral density, trabecular volumetric bone mineral density, and trabecular thickness increased (p < 0.05) in each of the four sectors. In addition, cortical thickness and trabecular bone volume/total volume increased in both medial and posterior sectors (p < 0.05). Overall, six and five out of nine parameters improved in the medial and posterior sectors, respectively, after BCT. In conclusion, the heightened physical activity during BCT led to the most beneficial bone adaptation in the medial and posterior sectors of the ultradistal tibia, which is indicative of higher loading in these sectors during activities performed in the course of BCT.

The Role of Female Recruits in the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria

The so-called caliphate that was created by the Islamic State attracted female recruits at a level not previously seen by other Salafi-Jihadist groups. This new phenomenon led to the creation of many unfounded assumptions about the role of female jihadists; however, subsequent theoretical research has emerged in recent years that challenges many of these assumptions and provides valuable insight into why this phenomenon may have actually taken place. What follows is an analysis of some of this valuable research as well as an application of these theoretical concepts to the real world through an examination of female jihadists who joined the Islamic State. This study profiles several women who joined the Islamic State and their reasons for joining, and it is aimed at better understanding, through the lens of the theories examined, why these women and others like them willingly chose to travel to the caliphate to become jihadists.

Physical Fitness and Body Anthropometrics Profiles of the Female Recruits Entering to Voluntary Military Service.

Physical Fitness and Body Anthropometrics Profiles of the Female Recruits Entering to Voluntary Military Service.

“I Just Want to Help People”: Young Women’s Gendered Engagement with Engineering

Research on women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has focused scant attention on how young women engage with the gendered construction of engineering as they decide whether or not to enter the field. Drawing on data from a study of more than a hundred diverse girls who participated in a National Science Foundation intervention and research project titled Female Recruits Explore Engineering (FREE), the article shows that their involvement with engineering is strongly gendered. The study participants were aware that engineering is male-dominated and not particularly open to women. They, especially the white and economically privileged girls, were also skeptical regarding the gendered messages they were receiving via programs designed to attract them to engineering. However, once the participants began to engage with engineering—through the selection of possible fields of study and by executing engineering projects—they did so in stereotypically gendered ways. The article’s findings indicate that the girls’ perceptions and choices are influenced by the presentation of engineering on websites, at career fairs, and through other venues designed to attract young women to engineering.

Comparison of the Physical Demands of Single-Sex Training for Male and Female Recruits in the British Army

This study compared the physical demands and progression of basic training for male and female British Army recruits in single-sex platoons. Thirty male and 30 female recruits were monitored for energy expenditure (EE) (doubly labeled water), physical activity (3-dimensional accelerometry) and cardiovascular strain (percent heart rate reserve) during 6 weeks over the 14-week course. First time pass rate was similar for male (60%) and female (57%) recruits. Average daily percent heart rate reserve (female 31 +/- 4%; male 32 +/- 5%), physical activity levels (female 2.2 +/- 0.2; male 2.3 +/- 0.2) and percentage improvements in 2.4-km run time (female 10 +/- 4%; male 10 +/- 5%) were similar for both sexes (p > 0.05), although male recruits had 12% higher physical activity counts (p < 0.01). Although the absolute physical demands of basic training were greater for male recruits, the relative cardiovascular strain experienced was similar between sexes.

Selected Static Anatomic Measures Predict Overuse Injuries in Female Recruits

This prospective study determined whether selected anatomic measures identified women at increased risk of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and shin splints (SS). Ten anatomic measures were performed on 748 women before basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island, South Carolina. Recruits were then followed throughout basic training for occurrence of injuries. Logistic regression modeling indicated that a left hip internal rotation range of motion (ROM) < or =25 degrees and > or =46 degrees, a right Q angle > or =20 degrees, and left knee hyperextension ROM > or =6 degrees were positively associated with PFPS. Whereas left dorsiflexion ROM > or =21 degrees was associated with SS, right Q angle > or =20 degrees was inversely associated with SS. These findings suggest that multiple anatomic measures can be used to identify women entering MCRD basic training at risk for PFPS and SS injuries.

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation Decreases Incidence of Stress Fractures in Female Navy Recruits

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation Decreases Incidence of Stress Fractures in Female Navy Recruits

Prediction Model for Stress Fracture in Young Female Recruits during Basic Training

To develop a new prediction model for stress fractures (SF) in female recruits during basic training (BT) to identify risk factors and to try to prevent orthopedic injuries. Measurements and data collection were taken from three companies of gender-integrated recruited units before the BT program (a total of 227 females and 83 males). Measurements included anthropometric variables, blood samples for hematology profile and markers for bone metabolism, fitness tests, bone quality (peripheral quantitative computed tomography), nutritional and activity habits, psychological assessment, and medical evaluation. SF were diagnosed during BT by bone scintigraphy and/or magnetic resonance imaging. All collected measurements were used to construct a new prediction model for the 27 and 192 female soldiers found with and without stress fracture, respectively. There were no SF in the male soldiers. The model successfully predicts 76.5% of the female soldiers with and without stress fractures (SF) as follows:PSF = -13.98 + 0.079 Ht - 0.014 Fe + 0.464 BUR - 0.105 BMI + 0.035 Ferritin,where PSF is the SF prediction according to the log odds(SF); odds(SF) is the ratio between probability of SF existence and nonexistence; Ht is the height (cm); BUR is a subjective assessment of burnout on a scale of 1 to 7; Fe is the iron blood level (microg x dL); ferritin is the iron storage level (ng x mL); and BMI is the body mass index (kg x m). A young female recruited to an integrated light combat unit is at risk for stress fracture if she is tall, lean, feels "burnout," has iron deficiency, and is at the high end of the normal ferritin range. However, further evaluation is required in different populations, conditions, and training programs to evaluate these results.

Differences in Physical Fitness of Male and Female Recruits in Gender-Integrated Army Basic Training

To evaluate gender differences in physical fitness before and after a 4-month gender-integrated basic training (BT) course and to determine whether this program effectively narrowed the differences between male and female soldiers in physical fitness parameters. One hundred and thirty-seven soldiers (109 females and 28 males) successfully completed a 4-month BT course in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The subject's physical fitness was evaluated pre- and post-BT by three laboratory tests [the maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), the Leonardo Ground Reaction Force Plate, and the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT)] and by the IDF physical fitness test (IDF-PT). Females significantly improved their scores in the IDF-PT and laboratory aerobic tests, whereas males significantly improved only in the IDF-PT. After BT, gender differences narrowed by approximately 4% in all tests except upper body strength. Although fitness improvement after BT was marginally higher in females than males, resulting in a slight narrowing of the gender differences, a significant gender gap in physical fitness still exists after BT. There was only a small overlap in physical abilities at the beginning of BT, which indicated vast differences in physical fitness between the genders. As expected, integrated combat BT improved physical fitness. Although females demonstrated marginally higher improvement in aerobic capacity, basic physiological gender differences were still evident at the end of the training regimen.

Prediction Model for Stress Fracture in Young Female Recruits during Basic Training

PURPOSE: To develop a new prediction model for stress fractures in female recruits during basic training in order to identify risk factors and to try to prevent orthopedic injuries. METHODS: Measurements and data collection were taken from 3 companies of gender integrated recruited units prior to the basic training program (a total of 227 females and 83 males). Measurements included anthropometric variables, blood samples for hematology profile and markers for bone metabolism, fitness tests, bone quality (pQCT), nutritional and activity habits, psychological assessment, and medical evaluation. Stress fractures were diagnosed during basic training by bone scintigraphy, and/or MR imaging. RESULTS: All collected measurements were used to construct a new prediction model for the 27 and 192 female soldiers found with and without stress fracture, respectively. There were no stress fractures in the male soldiers. The model successfully predicts 76.5% of the female soldiers with and without stress fractures (SF) as follows: PSF=−13.98+0.079Ht−0.014Fe+0.464BUR−0.105BMI+0.035Ferritin where: PSF- Stress fracture prediction according to the Log Odds(SF); Odds(SF)- The ratio between probability of SF existence and nonexistence; Ht- height (cm); BUR- A subjective assessment of burnout on a scale of 0-7; Fe- Iron blood level (Micgr/dl); Ferritin - Iron storage level (ng/ml); BMI- Body mass index (kg/m2). CONCLUSION: A young female recruited to an integrated light combat unit is at risk for stress fracture if she is tall, lean, feels "burnout", has iron deficiency, and is at the high end of the normal ferritin values. However, further evaluation is required in different populations, conditions, and training programs to evaluate these results.

Associations Between Selected Lower Extremity Anatomic Measures and Common Overuse Injuries in Female Recruits

Associations Between Selected Lower Extremity Anatomic Measures and Common Overuse Injuries in Female Recruits

Epidemiology of Stress Fracture and Lower-Extremity Overuse Injury in Female Recruits

Epidemiology of Stress Fracture and Lower-Extremity Overuse Injury in Female Recruits

Epidemiology of Stress Fracture and Lower-Extremity Overuse Injury in Female Recruits

The purpose of this prospective study was to examine rates and risk factors for overuse injuries among 824 women during Marine Corps Recruit Depot basic training at Parris Island, SC, in 1999. Data collected included training day exposures (TDE), baseline performance on a standardized 1.5-mile timed run, and a pretraining questionnaire highlighting exercise and health habits. The women were followed during training for occurrence of stress fracture and other lower-extremity overuse injury. There were 868 lower-extremity overuse injuries for an overall injury rate of 12.6/1000 TDE. Rates for initial and subsequent injury were 8.7/1000 and 20.7/1000 TDE, respectively. There were 66 confirmed lower-extremity stress fractures among 56 (6.8%) women (1.0/1000 TDE). Logistic regression modeling indicated that low aerobic fitness (a slower time on the timed run (> 14.4 min)), no menses in six or more consecutive months during the past year, and less than 7 months of lower-extremity weight training were significantly associated with stress fracture incidence. Self-rated fair-poor fitness at baseline was the only variable significantly associated with other non-stress fracture overuse injury during basic training. Among this sample of women, the risk of lower-extremity overuse injury was high, with a twofold risk of subsequent injury. The results suggest that stress fracture injury might be decreased if women entered training with high aerobic fitness and participated frequently in lower-extremity strength training. Furthermore, women reporting a history of menstrual irregularity at their initial medical exam may require closer observation during basic training.

Rates and Risk Factors for Overuse Injury among Female Recruits

Rates and Risk Factors for Overuse Injury among Female Recruits

Quantitative Ultrasound: Use in Screening for Susceptibility to Stress Fractures in Female Army Recruits

Quantitative Ultrasound: Use in Screening for Susceptibility to Stress Fractures in Female Army Recruits

Predictors of Stress Fracture Susceptibility in Young Female Recruits

Background Stress fractures account for substantial morbidity for young women undergoing U.S. Marine Corps basic training. Hypothesis Certain pretraining characteristics identify women at increased risk of stress fractures during boot camp. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods Data collected included baseline performance on a timed run (a measure of aerobic fitness), anthropometric measurements, and a baseline questionnaire highlighting exercise and menstrual status among 2962 women undergoing basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, in 1995 and 1996. Results One hundred fifty-two recruits (5.1%) had 181 confirmed lower extremity stress fractures, with the most common sites being the tibia (25%), metatarsals (22%), pelvis (22%), and femur (20%). Logistic regression models revealed that having low aerobic fitness (a slower time on the timed run) and no menses during the past year were significantly associated with the occurrence of any stress fracture and with pelvic or femoral stress fracture during boot camp. Conclusion These findings suggest that stress fractures may be reduced if women entering Marine Corps Recruit Depot training participated in pretraining activities designed to improve aerobic fitness. Furthermore, women reporting no menses during the previous year may need additional observation during training. Clinical Relevance Consistent with previous studies, we found that low aerobic fitness was the only modifiable risk factor associated with stress fractures during boot camp.

Predictors of Stress Fracture Susceptibility in Young Female Recruits

Predictors of Stress Fracture Susceptibility in Young Female Recruits