Risk Factors for Sustaining a Lower Extremity Injury in an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet Population

Injuries acquired during Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) participation can potentially affect a cadet's future and career in the armed forces. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with lower extremity injuries in an Army ROTC cadet population. There were 195 (165M, 30F) cadets enrolled in an Army ROTC program, 18 to 33 years old, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 23.5 ± 2.85. Injury data were retrospectively obtained from the electronic medical records maintained by a Certified Athletic Trainer. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, and incidence rate for physical training (PT) were calculated. Survival analysis determined association between injury and several variables (Military Science [MS] year, army physical fitness test scores, BMI, sex, previous lower extremity injury, PT exposures, most frequent boot worn, current and prior physical activity, and collision sport participation). Kaplan-Meier curves were used for the categorical variables. Incidence rate was 60 lower extremity injuries/100 person-years during PT. The survival analysis revealed MS year (p < 0.001) and PT exposures (p < 0.001) were significant in predicting risk of injury. All other variables were not significant. On the basis of this preliminary data, footwear and activity have no implications on risk of lower extremity injury. Preventative measures should be focused toward younger cadets because of their increased risk for injury.