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Published on: May 26, 2020
Selected static anatomic measures predict overuse injuries in female recruits
Mitchell J Rauh1, Caroline A Macera, Daniel W Trone
1Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106-3521, USA.
Military Medicine
|May 22, 2010
Summary
Selected anatomical measurements can predict risk for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and shin splints (SS) in women recruits. Identifying these risks early can help prevent injuries during demanding training.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanical Analysis
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and shin splints (SS) are common injuries in physically active individuals, particularly during intense training.
- Identifying individuals at higher risk for these conditions is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if specific anatomical measures can predict the risk of developing patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and shin splints (SS) in women undergoing military basic training.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 748 women recruits at a Marine Corps Recruit Depot.
- Ten pre-training anatomical measurements were recorded, including range of motion (ROM) and Q angle.
- Recruits were monitored throughout basic training for the incidence of PFPS and SS.
Main Results:
- Increased risk of PFPS was associated with limited left hip internal rotation ROM (≤25° and ≥46°), a larger right Q angle (≥20°), and left knee hyperextension ROM (≥6°).
- Shin splints (SS) were associated with greater left dorsiflexion ROM (≥21°), while a larger right Q angle (≥20°) showed an inverse association with SS.
- Logistic regression models identified significant predictors for both injury types.
Conclusions:
- Specific anatomical measures, including hip and knee range of motion and Q angle, can identify women at increased risk for PFPS and SS.
- These findings support the use of pre-training anatomical assessments for targeted injury prevention programs in military recruits.
- Early identification of at-risk individuals allows for proactive interventions to mitigate the incidence of lower extremity injuries during demanding physical training.
