title: Benefits of a musculoskeletal screening examination for initial entry training soldiers.
abstract: Soldiers reporting for Individual Entry Training from basic training posts frequently arrive unable to initiate or complete training due to musculoskeletal injuries. Therefore, a screening examination was developed to identify musculoskeletal injuries and provide appropriate medical intervention as needed. During a consecutive 5-week period, 1013 soldiers reported for training to Fort Lee, Virginia. Of these, 105 (10.4%) reported for medical screening because they stated that they had an injury or could not pass a physical fitness test. After screening, 76 (72%) were found to have physical restrictions that would limit their ability to fully participate in training. The injured soldiers were referred for and received medical intervention. Of the total number of soldiers screened, 97 (92%) were able to complete their training, pass a physical fitness test, and graduate on time. This study documents the use and benefits of a brief musculoskeletal screening examination for individual entry training soldiers.
authors.affiliation: Kenner Army Health Clinic, 700 24th Street, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1716, USA.
authors.forename: Evan J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D008889:Military Personnel; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D010808:Physical Examination; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation