[Prevention of athletic injuries by changing the regulations. Experiences with a military obstacle track]

During a period of 12 months of military conscription, all of the injuries occurring on the obstacle track at the Antvorskov Barracks in Slagelse were registered. During the period of investigation, the regulations for employing the track were altered so that the heights of jumping down from obstacles were considerably reduced. The object of this investigation was to demonstrate any possible effect on the pattern of injuries. During the period, a total of 26 injuries were registered (3.78 injuries/conscript/1,000 hours activity). As compared with previous investigations, the frequency of injuries was reduced and practically all of the serious injuries were prevented. The proposed alterations in the techniques are recommended in future when conscripts employ the military obstacle track.