Association Between Ankle Sprains and Functional Performance During Infantry Training: A Prospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Military medicine
• Sports medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Military tasks demand high functional performance.
• Training-related ankle sprains can impair operational capabilities.
• This study examines the long-term effects of ankle sprains on military recruits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between lateral ankle sprains during army basic training and recruits' functional trajectories over 5.5 months.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 365 army recruits was assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 5.5 months.
• Functional assessments included ankle instability, balance, agility, calf strength, proprioception, and a 3,000 m run.
• Ankle sprain diagnoses were recorded, and data analyzed using complete-case and Linear Mixed Model approaches.

Main Results:

• 51.0% attrition occurred; 179 recruits were analyzed.
• Recruits with ankle sprains showed persistent functional deficits in agility, calf strength, and dynamic balance compared to those without.
• The sprain group experienced increased perceived instability, while the no-sprain group improved functional performance over time.

Conclusions:

• Early ankle sprains in military training are linked to sustained functional impairments affecting operational readiness.
• Significant functional disparities persist for at least 5.5 months post-injury.
• There is a need for targeted rehabilitation and prevention programs in military training.