Risk factors associated with stress reactions in female Marines

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Military Health

Background:

• Women exhibit higher stress fracture rates than men in military settings.
• Hyperpronation is a suspected risk factor for lower extremity injuries.
• Understanding injury risk factors in female military personnel is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors for stress reactions in female Marine Corps officer candidates.
• To investigate the association between subtalar joint range of motion and stress reactions.
• To explore other potential contributing factors to injury.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 101 women in Marine Corps Officer Candidate School.
• Measured subtalar joint range of motion and collected data on physical activity, sports, menstrual history, and anthropometrics.
• Monitored stress reactions during a 10-week physical training program.

Main Results:

• Women experienced a 11.5% stress reaction rate versus 7% in men.
• No significant difference in subtalar joint range of motion was found between groups.
• Lower pre-training running mileage, younger age (<23), fewer menstrual periods (<10/year), and a narrow pelvis (<26cm) were associated with higher stress reaction rates.

Conclusions:

• Increased subtalar joint range of motion is not a risk factor for stress reactions in this population.
• Factors such as running volume, age, menstrual history, and pelvic width may influence injury risk.
• Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to validate these findings.