Injuries and risk factors in an 18-day Marine winter mountain training exercise.
OBJECTIVE
This study determined the incidence of and risk factors for injuries among 356 Marines during a winter mountain training exercise.


METHODS
Marines received a podiatry screening and completed a questionnaire on race, education, tobacco use, height, weight, and fitness (4.8-km run, sit-ups, pull-ups).


RESULTS
Forty-five Marines (12.6%) reported at least one injury each, 68.9% of which were traumatic injuries. Total injuries resulted in 114 days of limited duty time. A final foot examination (N = 141) revealed 118 injuries (82.2% blisters and abrasions, 11.9% frostnip). White ethnicity was a risk factor for overall injuries, and forefoot varus alignment was a risk factor for traumatic injuries. Lower education and rank and smokeless tobacco use were associated with foot injuries. The Marine ski-march leather boot and smoking were related to foot cold injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Military winter training is associated with injuries and lost training time. Risk factors were identified, suggesting that these injuries may be preventable.
Reynolds
K
K
U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA.
Williams
J
J
Miller
C
C
Mathis
A
A
Dettori
J
J
D000328:Adult; D002140:California; D003081:Cold Climate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004522:Educational Status; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D005627:Frostbite / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007318:Inservice Training; D016015:Logistic Models; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000293:injuries*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology