Incidence of and Risk Factors for Injury and Illness among Male and Female Army Basic Trainees

Abstract : To establish the incidence of and risk factors for training injuries and illness, 310 U.S. Army Trainees (124 men and 186 women) were followed prospectively through one basic combat training (BCT) cycle of eight weeks duration. During BCT 51% of females and 27% of males were injured. Females suffered 481 days of limited duty secondary to injury while males incurred 99 days of limited duty. For females slow mile time, low number of push ups and sit ups, high and low body mass index, and short and tall stature were associated with increased risk and injury during BCT. For males slow mile time, high body mass index and low levels of previous physical activity were associated with increased risk for injury. When risk of injury for females versus males was adjusted for physical fitness there was no difference in risks between them. In regard to illness, 48% of females and 35% of males reported on sick call for an illness of some kind. However, if risks of illness were compared excluding gynecological complaints, the risks were 37% for females and 35% for males. Also 26% of females and 28% of males required medical care for an upper respiratory tract infection (URI). The total number of days of limited duty due to illness for females was 23 and for males 19, mostly secondary to upper respiratory tract infection. For females low level of prior physical activity was associated with increased risk of having an upper respiratory tract infection, while for males both slow mile times and low levels of prior activity were associated with risk of an upper respiratory tract infection.