Musculoskeletal injury in military specialists: a 2-year retrospective study

Abstract: Background: Military specialists are elite personnel who are trained to work across diverse operational environments where a high level of physical conditioning is a prerequisite for their role. Anecdotally, personnel are acknowledged to be at high risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs). However, there are presently no published data on this UK military population to support this view. This is the first (2-year) retrospective epidemiological study to identify the MSKI sustained by this military population. Methods: All MSKI reported over a 2-year period (January 2018-December 2019) were recorded to identify the incidence, frequency, nature, onset, cause, location and reporting times. Injuries were described using injury count and relative frequency (percentage). Time at risk for each personnel day was calculated as 365 days. Results: A total of 199 personnel reported 229 injuries over the reporting periods. The injury incidence rates were 26.8 personnel per 100 person years (2018) and 27.7 personnel per 100 person years (2019), respectively. Military training accounted for the highest number of injuries (32%), followed by 'other injuries' (28%), personal training (28%) and sport (12%). The leading activity associated with injury was weight training (15%), followed by running (11%) and military exercise (10%). Lower extremity injuries accounted for the highest number of injuries (40%), followed by trunk (36%) and upper extremity (24%) injuries. Conclusion: This study identifies the MSKI profile of a military specialist population over a 2-year period. Areas where modifiable risk factors may be identified to reduce risk of injury are highlighted. Recommendations for further research include investigating injury burden and the impact of injury on operational readiness.

Read the full article
Report a problem with this article

Related articles

  • More for Researchers

    Relationship satisfaction change among UK service personnel: Associations with socio-demographics, military factors, and mental health

    Abstract: The unique demands of military life can adversely impact romantic relationships; however, research has mainly focused on these adverse outcomes at one-time point, overlooking changes over time or potential positive outcomes. Using a subsample of 3,845 male and female military personnel and veterans from a large UK dataset, this study examined positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction between two-time points (2007–2009; 2014–2016). Most participants reported no change in their relationship satisfaction, suggesting stability − 8% reported a positive change and 10% a negative change. Positive change was associated with being in a long-term relationship, alcohol misuse remission, and persistent alcohol misuse. Negative change was associated with the onset of mental health problems (probable PTSD, CMD, or alcohol misuse) and having children under 18. Some factors, like increasing age, childhood family relationship adversity, and mental health problems, were associated with both positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction. This study highlights the complexity of factors associated with relationship satisfaction among military personnel and veterans, with some experiencing positive changes, as well as negative changes over time.

    Family / Relationships Peer reviewed