Musculoskeletal Injuries During U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Training Assessment and Selection, Fiscal Years
Cody Butler1, Lauren Haydu1, Jacob Bryant1
1Special Warfare Human Performance Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base.
Abstract:
From the inception of the Special Warfare Training Wing in fiscal year 2019 through 2021, 753 male, enlisted candidates attempted at least 1 Assessment and Selection and did not self-eliminate (i.e., quit). Candidates were on average 23 years of age. During candidates' first attempt, 356 (47.3%) individuals experienced a musculoskeletal (MSK) injury. Among the injuries, the most frequent type was nonspecific (n=334/356; 93.8%), and the most common anatomic region of injury was the lower extremity (n=255/356; 71.6%). When included in a multivariable model, older age, slower run times on initial fitness tests, and prior nonspecific injury were associated with both any injury and specifically lower extremity MSK injury.
