Activities and risk factors associated with fall-related injuries among US Army soldiers. Issue 2 (30th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brooks, Raina D; Grier, T; Jones, B H; Chervak, M C
• Is Part Of: BMJ military health. Volume 169:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2020-08-30
• Subjects: epidemiology -- public health -- statistics & research methods; Medicine, Military -- Periodicals; Military hygiene -- Periodicals; 355.345
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001564
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2633-3767

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Falls/near falls are the second leading cause of hospitalisation and outpatient visits among US Army soldiers. While numerous studies have evaluated fall-related or near fall-related injuries among elderly adults, few have evaluated this association among young adults. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics and risk factors associated with fall-related or near fall-related injuries among male US Army soldiers. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of male US Army Airborne Division soldiers (n=5187). Electronic surveys captured demographic, lifestyle, physical training (PT), fitness and injury data during spring/summer of 2016. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors of fall-related or near fall-related injuries, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Primary findings indicated that activities and risk factors associated with fall-related or near fall-related injuries among soldiers included younger age (≤35 years), holding a job that required minimal lifting activities, slower 2-mile run times and not running during personal PT. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that male US Army soldiers and other physically active men may benefit from (1) obtaining and/or maintaining higher aerobic endurance and muscular strength, and (2) training focused on preventing fall-related injuries during PT, road marching and sports/recreational activities. Moreover, prevention strategies and education should further target younger soldiers (≤35 years old), as younger age is not modifiable.