Military Athletes Research Articles

Ankle Subluxation and Associated Ruptures: A Case Report on Surgical Intervention in a 47- year-old Male Badminton Military Athlete

Introduction & Objectives: This study presents the clinical approach and surgical management of a 47-year-old male patient without prior medical history or comorbidities, who experienced acute ankle pain following a distinctive "klek" sound during badminton activity. The objective is to demonstrate the significance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention for such injuries. Materials & Methods: A comprehensive patient history was taken, coupled with a physical examination and diagnostic imaging, which identified the primary complaint of ankle pain. The subsequent diagnosis was an ankle subluxation, intraosseous rupture of the tibia fibula, and rupture of the Achilles tendon. Intervention consisted of an open reduction of the ankle and Achilles tendon repair, performed under regional anesthesia. Results: The surgical procedure was executed successfully with no immediate post-operative complications. The patient's post-surgical recovery was thoroughly monitored, and rehabilitation began promptly to regain full function and mobility. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of a precise diagnosis in orthopedic injuries and the need for tailored surgical procedures to effectively address them. Open reduction and Achilles repair were pivotal in treating the ankle subluxation and related ruptures. Such cases augment the understanding of orthopedic surgical techniques for specialized injuries, emphasizing patient-specific diagnosis and management.

Proximal Hamstring Musculotendinous Junction Avulsion Injury: In a Middle-aged Military Athlete

Proximal Hamstring Musculotendinous Junction Avulsion Injury: In a Middle-aged Military Athlete

Outcomes of tendon transfers for scapular winging in young military athletes

The partial pectoralis major transfer for the treatment of serratus anterior deficiency and modified Eden-Lange/Triple Tendon Transfer for trapezius deficiency result in improvement in pain and shoulder function. However, athletic function following these procedures is unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the outcomes and return to military duty and athletic tasks following partial pectoralis major transfer and Tripler Tendon Transfer. A retrospective review of prospectively gathered data was performed for all patients surgically treated for medial and lateral scapular winging at two military medical centers. Preoperative patient-reported outcomes collected included the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES). Patients were excluded if they had less than 1 year follow-up, no postoperative patient-reported outcomes or return to military duty data. Eleven patients were surgically treated for scapular winging, 7 patients for serratus anterior deficiency and 4 patients for trapezius deficiency and were available for follow-up at a mean of 28 months. The mean preoperative outcome scores were SANE 40.9%, VAS 4.4 and ASES 54.4. Significant improvement in SANE 77.4% (P= .001), VAS 1.8 (P= .017) and ASES 75.7 (P= .008) was identified. Five of the 9 (55.6%) active-duty service members were able to meet their fitness requirements and remain on active-duty status. The split pectoralis major transfer for serratus anterior deficiency and the Triple Tendon Transfer for trapezius deficiency are excellent treatment options in patients who have high physical demands.

Posterior Shoulder Instability, Part II—Glenoid Bone Grafting, Glenoid Osteotomy, and Rehabilitation/Return to Play—An International Expert Delphi Consensus Statement

The purpose of this study was to establish consensus statements on glenoid bone-grafting, glenoid osteotomy, rehabilitation, return to play, and follow-up for posterior shoulder instability. A consensus process on the treatment of posterior shoulder instability was conducted, with 71 shoulder/sports surgeons from 12 countries participating based on their level of expertise in the field. Experts were assigned to one of 6 working groups defined by specific subtopics within posterior shoulder instability. Consensus was defined as achieving 80-89% agreement, whereas strong consensus was defined as 90-99% agreement, and unanimous consensus was indicated by 100% agreement with a proposed statement. All of the statements relating to rehabilitation, return to play, and follow-up achieved consensus. There was unanimous consensus that the following criteria should be considered: restoration of strength, range of motion, proprioception, and sport-specific skills, with a lack of symptoms. There is no minimum time point required to return to play. Collision athletes and military athletes may take longer to return because of their higher risk for recurrent instability, and more caution should be exercised in clearing them to return to play, with elite athletes potentially having different considerations in returning to play. The relative indications for revision surgery are symptomatic apprehension, multiple recurrent instability episodes, further intra-articular pathologies, hardware failure, and pain. The study group achieved strong or unanimous consensus on 59% of statements. Unanimous consensus was reached regarding the criteria for return to play, collision/elite athletes having different considerations in return to play, indications for revision surgery, and imaging only required as routine for those with glenoid bone-grafting/osteotomies at subsequent follow-ups. There was no consensus on optimal fixation method for a glenoid bone-block, the relative indications for glenoid osteotomy, whether fluoroscopy is required or if the labrum should be concomitantly repaired. Level V Expert Opinion.

Оценка соревновательной выносливости военнослужащих воздушно-десантных войск, участвующих во всеармейском конкурсе «Десантный взвод», по данным анализа вариабельности сердечного ритма

The article presents the results of a study of the competitive endurance of servicemen of the airborne troops performing at the 3rd stage of the military field training competition "Airborne Platoon". The relevance of the work lies in the fact that a timely assessment of the functional state of military athletes will make it possible to adjust training plans in time and perform more effectively at the competition. The aim of the study was to assess the competitive endurance of military athletes according to heart rate variability data with different military accounting specialties. Based on the data of heart rate variability, the analysis of the state of the regulatory processes of the body was carried out, the assessment of the competitive endurance of the airborne troops before and after performing special tasks in the "Airborne Platoon" military field training competition was carried out. With the help of an orthostatic test, the latent capabilities of the functional systems of the body were evaluated. The body of military personnel serving as driver mechanics is characterized by a pronounced tension of regulatory systems during the orthostatic test, in soldiers of other accounting specialties, the body reacts adequately. It is presented that the physical load during the period of the competition was at the limit of the capabilities of the body of military personnel and almost led to the breakdown of adaptation mechanisms. Keywords: heart rate variability, military athletes, physical fitness, military field training competition "Airborne Platoon".

CONCENTRATION AND SELF-CONTROL IN THE UTILITY SWIMMING RACE IN THE NAVAL PENTATHLON

The modernization of the military system and its adaptation to the requirements of European norms has become a necessity for the Romanian naval pentathlon. In our research, we will propose a new concept of mental training for the athletes who are part of the utility swimming team.Objective:- Explanation of the training process of the athletes who are part of the naval pentathlon team from the point of view of physical and mental parameters- Establishing the efficiency of the methods for improving the concentration and self-control of the athletes participating in the utility swimming race.- Notification of conclusionsResearch methods: Studying the bibliography, tests for the attention and concentration of pentathlon athletes.The results obtained after the tests should confirm that the attention and self-concentration level of military athletes on the naval pentathlon team has increased.From a psychological point of view, the military athletes were stimulated by external intervention (mental training), but also by autosuggestion and auto impulsion.

A High Rate of Return to Running Is Seen After Both Arthroscopic and Open Shoulder Surgery

To determine the percentage of patients who report the ability to run 1 mile at various time points after arthroscopic and open shoulder surgery. We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for all active-duty military patients aged 18 to 45 years who underwent shoulder surgery at a single institution over a 2-year period. The rehabilitation protocol discouraged running before 3 months, but all patients were able to return to unrestricted running at 3 months postoperatively. Patients were excluded if they lacked 1-year follow-up data. Parameters collected included demographic information and validated patient-reported outcome measures at the preoperative and short-term postoperative visits, as well as patients' ability to run at least 1 mile postoperatively. A total of 126patients were identified who underwent shoulder surgery with return-to-running data. Compared with baseline, significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes were shown at 1 and 2 years postoperatively (P= .001). The percentage of patients reporting the ability to run 1 mile postoperatively was 59% at 3 months, 74% at 4.5 months, 79% at 6 months, 83% at 12 months, and 91% at 24 months. There was no significant difference in patients undergoing shoulder surgery for instability versus non-instability diagnoses or in patients undergoing open versus arthroscopic anterior stabilization. All 11 patients unable to return to running at final follow-up had chronic lower-extremity diagnoses limiting their running ability. Young military athletes undergoing arthroscopic and open shoulder surgery have a high rate of early return to running. Approximately 60% of patients report the ability to run 1 mile at 3 months postoperatively, and three-quarters of patients do so at 4.5 months. Age, sex, military occupation, underlying diagnosis or type of surgery did not influence the rate of return to running after shoulder surgery. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Sport in the military context: A national and international analysis from the perspective of sport management

The regular practice of sport is today fully accepted as a condition for a more active life and healthier habits, as well as for a balanced physical and emotional well-being, assuming greater relevance in the military context and in the world peace between nations, where physical and psychological preparedness assumes special importance. The research aimed to explore military sport by analysing its main international characteristics, as well as to identify the socio-demographic profile of military personnel in the Portuguese Armed Forces, their sports practice habits and opinion about the development of military sport in Portugal. Methodologically, it is a quantitative-descriptive study of an exploratory nature, in which, in addition to the research of several official documents, a questionnaire was applied to military personnel about their sportive habits, obtaining 566 valid answers. The results show a high number of member countries (n=140) in the organisation of international military sport, as well as sport disciplines developed (n=38) and participants in the events held, contrasting with a not very significant Portuguese participation. The main reasons are: (a) insufficient support for athletes; (b) infrastructures that do not offer the best training conditions; and (c) insufficient recognition by military institutions. Regarding the sport routines, it was found that 19.6% do not practice any physical activity at all. We conclude that despite the interest in participating in military sporting events, the portuguese military personnel reported the need for greater investment and promotion to encourage their participation. The need for greater openness from the military institutions themselves is another of the reasons mentioned for strengthening their training conditions and recognising the potential of military sport. Keywords: Sport management, sports development, sport and active life, military athletes, military sport.

Вплив авторської програми фізичної підготовки на спортивні результати команд з військового п’ятиборства

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of the author's program of physical training in military pentathlon on the sports readiness of teams. Materials and methods. To solve the goal, an experimental and control groups were formed, the results of special physical fitness of the subjects were determined, a comparative analysis of the indicators of competitive activity of athletes was carried out. The following methods were used to obtain objective data: theoretical methods (analysis and generalization of literature sources and empirical data); documentary method (analysis of official CISM documents); pedagogical methods (observation, experiment); testing the initial and final levels of general and special physical fitness of athletes; methods of mathematical statistics. The research was conducted in several stages with consistent and parallel solution of work tasks in the period from 2017 to 2019. The first stage (January 2017 – November 2017) was aimed at analyzing and summarizing data from special literature, publications and research. The second stage (November 2017 – November 2019) involved a formative pedagogical experiment, which tested the effectiveness of the author's program of physical training of pentathletes. To test the effectiveness of the experimental training program, experimental (n = 20) and control groups (n = 28) were formed, in which all cadets in military pentathlon had the same level of sports training. The cadets of Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Ground Forces Academy (n = 20) were included in the experimental group, and the cadets of seven high educational institutions of Ukraine (n = 28) – in the control group. The distribution was based on the results of preliminary testing using the method of random sampling. Results and discussion. The results of the study confirmed that it is impossible to achieve high results in military pentathlon without continuous improvement of the organization, content and methods of implementation of this pedagogical process in the stages of preparation of military athletes for competitions. It is confirmed that one of the leading reasons for improving performance is related to the transfer of the training effect, namely the positive and sensitive period, which is characteristic of these physical qualities at the age stage in which the subjects were. Other reasons were related to the used load parameters planning, means and methods of training. The sports result of experimental group, namely the level of special physical fitness of the military pentathletes of the National Armed Forces in the conditions of the physical training program, significantly improved in the first (5.8%, p <0.05) and second (6.1%, p <0.05) stages of the study and as a result significantly increased by 11.5% (p <0.01). On the other hand, in the control groups 1-7 the tendency to increase sports results was not confirmed statistically. Conclusion. It has been proved that the author’s program of physical training of athletes in military pentathlon in the high educational institutions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is not inferior to the traditional one in terms of efficiency. Significant differences (p <0.05 – p <0.001) in the amount of points scored at the Championship of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in military pentathlon between the participants of experimental and control groups (control group 1, control groups 3-7) after the end of the pedagogical experiment were determined

Concussion reporting intentions for incoming military athletes and cadets

ABSTRACT Cultures of concussion reporting exist outside athletics; however, athlete-only studies dominate the literature. Comparing athletes and similar high-risk populations broadens our understanding of concussion reporting acculturation. We aimed to (1) describe and compare concussion self-report willingness as measured by anticipated concussion reporting (ACR), perceived costs, perceived rewards, brain health knowledge, and correct symptom identification for incoming cadets at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) (n = 1,136; female = 276, 24.43%) and (2) determine whether those variables predict ACR. Univariate analyses were performed to compare intercollegiate status, sex, and parental income for perceived costs and rewards, and brain health knowledge (α = 0.05) and multinomial logistic regressions to determine if those variables predicted ACR. A $40,000 parental increase in income resulted in one additional symptom identified (β = 0.80, p = 0.026). Athletes demonstrated greater brain health knowledge by nearly one symptom correctly identified (β = 0.98, p = 0.002); non-athletes reported significantly greater ACR (β = 5.92; p < 0.001). Our model accounted for 37% of the variance in ACR (χ2 = 393.86, p < 0.001, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.37). Before military acculturation, athletes had less intention to seek medical care for concussion, likely from prior athletic experiences.

Compact food bar improves cardiopulmonary function in men military athletes: A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind clinical trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of compact food bar (CFB) designed on cardiopulmonary function in men athletes who serve in military service. In this randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial, 46 men of military staff were arranged into 2 groups and studied for 28 days; one branch used 3 packs daily, 700 kcal each, of CFB with Functional compounds (Caffeine and L-arginine) and the other group used regular food during training course. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 Max) in vitro with cardiopulmonary exercise test, body composition, and physical activity were assessed and recorded at baseline and end of the study period. VO2 Max (P = 0.05) significantly increased in CFB group compared with baseline. Moreover, VO2 Max (P = 0.01), VO2/HR (P = 0.04), oxygen uptake/heart rate (VO2/HR) (P = 0.03), and ventilation per minute/oxygen uptake (VE/VO2) (P = 0.03) significantly increased in CFB group compared with control group. In comparison, there was no significant difference in mean ventilation per minute/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) (P = 0.41), ventilation per minute (VE) (P = 0.69), and breathing frequency (P = 0.056). No significant effect of CFB was found on weight, body mass index (P = 0.23), lean body mass (P = 0.91), and body fat mass (P = 0.91). Our results show that intervention with CFB is more effective than regular diet in improving cardiopulmonary function in men athletes who serve in military service.

Head and Body Dyskinesia During Gait in Tactical Athletes With Vestibular Deficit Following Concussion.

Background: Vestibular deficit is common following concussion and may affect gait. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in head and pelvic center of mass (COM) movement during gait in military tactical athletes with and without concussion-related central vestibular impairment.Material and Methods: 24 patients with post-concussion vestibular impairment (20 males, 4 females; age: 31.7 ± 7.9 years; BMI: 27.3 ± 3.3) and 24 matched controls (20 males, 4 females; age: 31.8 ± 6.4 years; BMI: 27.2 ± 2.6) were included in the analyses. Three-dimensional head and pelvic displacement and velocities were collected at a 1.0 m/s standardized treadmill walking speed and assessed using Statistical Parametric Mapping t-tests. Maximum differences (dmax) between groups were reported for all significant kinematic findings.Results: The Vestibular group demonstrated significantly diminished anteroposterior head excursions (dmax = 2.3 cm, p = 0.02) and slower anteroposterior (dmax = 0.37 m/s, p = 0.01), mediolateral (dmax = 0.47 m/s, p = 0.02) and vertical (dmax = 0.26 m/s, p < 0.001) velocities during terminal stance into pre-swing phases compared to the Control group. Vertical pelvic excursion was significantly increased in midstance (dmax = 2.4 cm, p = 0.03) and mediolaterally during pre- to initial-swing phases (dmax = 7.5 cm, p < 0.001) in the Vestibular group. In addition, pelvic velocities of the Vestibular group were higher mediolaterally during midstance (dmax = 0.19 m/s, p = 0.02) and vertically during post-initial contact (dmax = 0.14 m/s, p < 0.001) and pre-swing (dmax = 0.16 m/s, p < 0.001) compared to the Control group.Significance: The Vestibular group demonstrated a more constrained head movement strategy during gait compared with Controls, a finding that is likely attributed to a neurological impairment of visual-vestibular-somatosensory integration.

Перспективы развития и сохранения этнического самосознания адыгской молодежи

The article is devoted to the analysis of the prospects for the development and preservation of the ethnic identity of the Adyghe youth, the question of determining the place of the traditional institution «Adyghe Khabze» in the modern Adyghe society is raised. The historical context of the formation of the Adyghe ethnos is considered, Professor I.I. Maremshaova believes that the formation of the common Caucasian proto-archetypes took place under the influence of significant outside influence. Modern attempts to reconstruct and restore the glorious past do not take into account that it has long since sunk into oblivion, there is only a shadow of past victories, and we, in particular, the Circassians, peck at our heroic past, extracting past merits from there. It is imperative to create an image of a progressive region and nation. We need historical heroes and characters to create national examples and landmarks, the Adygs need not only the images of military leaders and athletes, but scientists, doctors, firefighters, modern figures of art and education.

The Effect of Ration Military Supplemented with Functional Food on Cardiopulmonary Endurance in Military Athletes: a Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

The Effect of Ration Military Supplemented with Functional Food on Cardiopulmonary Endurance in Military Athletes: a Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Analysis of incidence of tibia stress fractures among the militaries

Аbstract. In the process of special training of military servicemen, various elements of the musculoskeletal system of a person are constantly exposed to mechanical loads of various frequencies, intensities and strengths. With such prolonged and shock loads characteristic of military personnel and athletes, permanent minor damage to the bones occurs, which over time can lead to impaired formation of bones and joints, up to the development of the disease. Violation of the motor reactions of the limb ultimately leads to the suppression of the mechanisms of social adaptation, physiological functions and aggravates the course of most diseases, decompensating processes that affect not only the quality of life, but also its duration. A very important point is that labor losses in military personnel during stress fractures can reach 6 months, which negatively affects the service, with a total duration of 12 months of military service. In this regard, questions arise about the advisability of such military servicemen in the army and further spending of budget funds for their maintenance. The stress fractures of long bones are analyzed on the example of fractures of the tibia. It has been established that the greatest number of injuries associated with stress fractures occur during combat training conducted in a special military uniform. A feature of the course of stress fractures is increasing pain in the limb. Among injured with tension fractures, 83,5% of the military did not do the sports before drafting, and physical activity that arose during the service was difficult or not tolerated.

STATES AND APPLICATION POTENTIAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS IN NUTRITION OF POPULATION AND MILITARY PERSONNEL

At present time, the compliance of energy costs and the chemical composition of foods in the daily diet with physiological needs of the body gains a particular relevance. Particular attention is paid to the use of functional food products - special products intended for systematic use by all age groups of a healthy population. Functional nutrition compensates for the deficiency of essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), vitamins, macro- and microelements, etc., as well as protects the body from the effects of pesticides and herbicides, antibiotics, dyes and preservatives, widely used in conventional products, and is used to strengthen health and prevent diseases caused by deficiencies in traditional nutrition. Such diseases include: obesity, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis, mental depression and others. In some professional groups, for example, in military athletes, the use of functional foods has been practiced for a long time. Currently, a fairly wide range of this group of products has been developed and is being produced. When developing a functional product, environmentally friendly raw materials of animal and vegetable origin, biologically active additives that improve functional and consumer qualities should be used. The high content of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and other necessary biologically active substances, as well as good organoleptic characteristics and high consumer properties justify the feasibility of including functional products in the diet of military personnel, whose professional activity is characterized by high physical activity, requiring maximum use of functional resources organism. At the same time, military personnel are capable of completing official tasks at the limit of their physical capabilities, while maintaining relatively constant biochemical constants of the internal environment of the body. The information presented in the paper will be useful to the logistics and medical service specialists of the Russian Army and Navy and will serve as the basis for further development of the direction for the use of functional products for feeding military personnel.

Effect of a Designed Compact Food Bar on Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2Max) and Exercise Performance in Military Athletes: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Under difficult conditions, the military need high-energy macronutrients and micronutrients during intense physical activities in order to achieve optimal fitness levels. Objectives: This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of a designed compact food bar (CFB) on the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max) and physical fitness in military athletes. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 50 athletes aged 20 - 50 years, who were assigned into two experimental and control groups. The subjects in the compact food bar (CFB) received three packs of CFB (700 kcal each), containing functional compounds (e.g., caffeine and L-arginine), every day for 10 days. The control group consumed the regular food used in military training courses with the same daily calorie count for the same period. The exercise performance was assessed using sports tests, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max) as a measure of cardio-respiratory endurance in vitro, cardiopulmonary exercise tests, blood pressure, and anthropometric examinations based on the participants’ body composition and physical activity. The measurements were performed using a pedometer, and the data were recorded at baseline and after the intervention. The data was then analyzed in SPSS software version 16. Results: VO2Max and some of the exercise tests, including push-up, sit-and-reach test, and jump pair length, revealed significant increases in CFB group, compared to the control group (P 0.05). Conclusions: According to the findings, the consumption of the proposed CFB, in comparison to regular food, could effectively improve the exercise performance in military athletes.

When Should a Heat-Tolerance Test Be Scheduled After Clinical Recovery From an Exertional Heat Illness?

Researchers have produced a hypothesis of transient heat intolerance (HI) after exertional heat stroke (EHS). Based on this hypothesis, heat-tolerance testing (HTT) has been postponed until weeks 6 to 8 after EHS and other types of exertional heat illness (EHI). We compared the HTT results of participants after either EHS or other EHI who were tested earlier (≤6-week group) versus those who were tested later (>6-week group) to verify the hypothesis. Cohort study. Data obtained from records of military athletes who experienced EHS or EHI. All participants who underwent HTT after EHI or EHS experienced between 2014 and 2018 and for whom complete data regarding the severity of the event (rectal temperature, neurologic symptoms, and laboratory results) and HTT results were available were included. Participants with suspected EHS and those with other EHIs were evaluated separately. The percentages of participants with HI and mean probability of heat tolerance were compared between those tested within 6 weeks of the event and those tested later. A total of 186 participants were included in this study (EHS: 12 in the <6-week group, 9 in the >6-week group; EHI: 94 in the <6-week group, 71 in the >6-week group). In the EHS group, the percentages with HI (33% versus 44%, P = .67) and mean probability of heat tolerance (0.82 versus 0.82, P = .98) did not differ. In the EHI group, participants who were tested after 6 weeks had a greater chance of being diagnosed with HI (38% versus 21.3%, P < .02). The HTT results were similar between participants with EHS who were tested early (<6 weeks) and those tested late (>6 weeks). Further investigation of heat-tolerance changes in larger cohorts of patients after EHS is required to verify the theory of transient HI.

A Multidimensional Approach to Assessing Anthropometric and Aerobic Fitness Profiles of Elite Brazilian Endurance Athletes and Military Personnel.

Military personnel must remain physically active to meet operational requirements. Military physical training not only provides the performance capabilities required for performing occupational tasks but also fosters the development of sport. Thus, Armed Forces across the world have historically invested in developing elite- and Olympic-level athletes. This study aimed to assess the anthropometric and physiological differences among groups of Brazilian military athletes (MA), non-military athletes (A), and military non-athletes (M). Seventy-five individuals participated in the study: 17 MA (23.7 ± 4.8 years), 27 A (24.7 ± 5.3 years), and 31 M (26.9 ± 3.3 years). MA and A individuals specialized in endurance sports, and had a mean weekly training volume of (100.0 ± 34.8 and 106.3 ± 40.5 Km; F = 0.894, p = 0.6), respectively. Anthropometric measures and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2máx) were assessed in all participants. Ergospirometry and anthropometry variables were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for independent measures. Comparisons of weekly training volume (km) and training experience (years) were performed only between the A and MA using the Student's t-test for independent samples. For a multidimensional approach, Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed for all variables using the online tool MetaboAnalyst. We found no differences in anthropometric and physiological profiles between A and MA, but significant differences between M and MA/A in body mass index (kg/m2) (BMI), body fat percentage, fat mass (kg), waist circumference (cm) (WC), somatotype, and V̇O2máx (mL min-1 kg-1). In conclusion, military endurance athletes have similar anthropometric and physiological profiles to non-military athletes and superior levels to non-athlete military. These findings indicate that the Brazilian Armed Forces scouting system has been successful in identifying endurance athletic talent in line with their historic role of developing sport in Brazil.

Meniscus Injuries in the Military Athlete.

Meniscal injuries in the young, active patient are often challenging injuries for the orthopaedic surgeon whose goal is to provide pain-free return to play/military duty and preserve maximal meniscal integrity. In the U.S. military, the incidence rate of meniscal tears is almost 10 times higher than that of the civilian population; although, the rates of reoperation following meniscal repair are fairly similar. The decision to pursue meniscal debridement versus repair is multifactorial depending on tear characteristics, concomitant injury, patient characteristics, and goals. Meniscal allograft transplantation remains reserved as a salvage procedure but with limited goals for potential to return to complete unrestricted military duties. The purpose of this article is to review treatment principles for the military athlete with meniscal pathology.