Injuries and risk factors in a 100-mile (161-km) infantry road march.
BACKGROUND
Light infantry soldiers (N = 218) completed a 161-km cross-country march over 5 days carrying an average +/- SD load mass (i.e., the weight of all equipment and clothing) of 47 +/- 5 kg.


METHODS
Prior to the march, height, weight, body fat, and physical fitness (3.2-km run, sit-ups, push-ups) were measured. Soldiers completed a demographic questionnaire which included questions on age and tobacco use history.


RESULTS
Thirty-six percent (78/218) of the soldiers suffered one or more injuries. Of the total injuries, 48% presented were blisters and 18% were foot pain (not otherwise specified). Eight percent (17/218) of the soldiers were unable to complete the march because of injuries. Thirty-five percent (27/78) of the injured soldiers had 1 or more limited duty days for a total of 69 days. Risk of injury was higher among smokers (risk ratio = 1.8, P = 0.03 compared to nonsmokers) and lower among older soldiers (risk ratio = 3.2, P = 0.02, < 20 years compared to > 24 years).


CONCLUSIONS
Carrying heavy loads over long distances can result in a high injury incidence to the lower body, since 36% of soldiers were injured during the 161-km march. Smoking and younger age (< 20 years) were independent risk factors for injuries.
Military Performance Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts 01760-5007, USA.
K L
KL
Reynolds
J S
JS
White
J J
JJ
Knapik
C E
CE
Witt
P J
PJ
Amoroso
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D044383:Black People; D001768:Blister / Q000453:epidemiology; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology; D044465:White People; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001741:Black or African American