Screening tests detect knee pain and predict discharge from military service

This study evaluated the capacity of a screening test to predict discharge from military training. When starting their training, 590 artillery and 258 ranger conscripts were tested in step-up, step-down, rising from a 0.40-m-high bench, and bilateral squat tests, with pain intensity ratings. Ranger conscripts who did not complete their training were noted. The rising test identified 82% and the step-down test 81% of artillery conscripts who reported pain at any level during any of the screening tests. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that both the step-down test and the rising test were good in predicting discharge from military ranger training because of knee problems. The step-down test identified 80% of ranger conscripts who did not complete training because of knee disorders. The tests constitute a simple, time-saving, cost-effective tool in a systematic process for screening knee pain to identify high-risk groups, for prioritization of interventions.