A Survey of Parachute Ankle Brace Breakages

Abstract : A questionnaire was administered to 1,956 students in Army Airborne training as part of an effort by the Military Training Task Force (MTTF) of the Defense Safety Oversight Council (DSOC) to evaluate the parachute ankle brace (PAB). Information provided by the questionnaire identified potential injury risk factors and comments on the PAB. Risk factors for injuries in the past year included service branch, Airborne recycling, less physical activity, older age, greater body weight, higher BMI, and (among Army personnel) slower 2-mile run time. Risk factors for jump week injuries included higher rank, longer time in service, older age, Airborne recycling, height, more body weight, not wearing the PAB, aircraft exit problems, an injury in the past year, and (for Army men) fewer push-ups and slower 2-mile run time. Students who had worn the brace were more likely to have favorable comments on the PAB compared with those who had not worn it. Most negative PAB comments were related to the heel strap and an improvement has been proposed and is in production. Students complained that the PAB rubbed on the legs, shin, ankle, and calf; this might be associated with the heel strap or pulling the ankle strap to tight; this problem might be alleviated by the strap improvement and/or better guidance on appropriate tightness for the ankle straps. Students also complained of difficulty in keeping the feet and knees together when wearing the PAB. This could be a matter of perception or some adaptation and accommodation may be required in this area.