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Introducing a new method to record injuries during military training: a prospective study among 296 young Norwegian
John Bjørneboe1,2, A Heen3, E Borud4,5
1Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway joanbj@ous-hf.no.
BMJ Military Health
|June 1, 2022
Summary
A self-reporting injury surveillance system (OSTRC-H2) is effective in military settings, capturing more injuries than standard medical records. This study highlights a high injury prevalence among Norwegian army conscripts, particularly in the lower limbs.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Traditional epidemiological studies in military medicine rely on medical records.
- Self-reporting systems, common in sports medicine, offer an alternative for injury surveillance.
- This study evaluates such a system in a military context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the suitability of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H2) in a military setting.
- To describe the pattern of injuries among Norwegian army conscripts during military training.
- To compare injury data from the OSTRC-H2 with traditional medical records.
Main Methods:
- A modified OSTRC-H2 questionnaire was administered weekly to 296 conscripts for 12 weeks.
- All injuries were recorded, regardless of medical attention or impact on participation.
- Injury data were cross-referenced with the Norwegian Armed Forces Health Register.
Main Results:
- The mean weekly response rate was 74%.
- The OSTRC-H2 captured 82% of injuries, significantly more than medical records (3%).
- Average weekly injury prevalence was 28%, with 10% experiencing significant performance impact. Lower limb injuries, especially knee and foot, were most common.
Conclusions:
- The OSTRC-H2 is a suitable tool for military injury surveillance.
- Self-reporting captures a substantially higher number of injuries compared to standard medical records.
- Injury prevalence in military conscripts is high, similar to elite athletes.
