Effects of Deployment on Musculoskeletal and Physiological Characteristics and Balance.
Despite many nonbattle injuries reported during deployment, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of deployment on musculoskeletal and physiological characteristics and balance. A total of 35 active duty U.S. Army Soldiers participated in laboratory testing before and after deployment to Afghanistan. The following measures were obtained for each Soldier: shoulder, trunk, hip, knee, and ankle strength and range of motion (ROM), balance, body composition, aerobic capacity, and anaerobic power/capacity. Additionally, Soldiers were asked about their physical activity and load carriage. Paired t tests or Wilcoxon tests with an α = 0.05 set a priori were used for statistical analyses. Shoulder external rotation ROM, torso rotation ROM, ankle dorsiflexion ROM, torso rotation strength, and anaerobic power significantly increased following deployment (p < 0.05). Shoulder extension ROM, shoulder external rotation strength, and eyes-closed balance (p < 0.05) were significantly worse following deployment. The majority of Soldiers (85%) engaged in physical activity. In addition, 58% of Soldiers reported regularly carrying a load (22 kg average). The deployment-related changes in musculoskeletal and physiological characteristics and balance as well as physical activity and load carriage during deployment may assist with proper preparation with the intent to optimize tactical readiness and mitigate injury risk.
Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 3830 South Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
Takashi
T
Nagai
Sports Medicine Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, 900 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536.
John P
JP
Abt
Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 3830 South Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
Timothy C
TC
Sell
Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 3830 South Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
Karen A
KA
Keenan
Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, 650 Joel Drive, Fort Campbell, KY 42223.
Mark A
MA
McGrail
U.S. Army Aeromedical Activity, 301 Dustoff Road, Fort Rucker, AL 36362.
Brian W
BW
Smalley
Sports Medicine Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, 900 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536.
Scott M
SM
Lephart
D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D000346:Afghanistan; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000208:ethnology; D014857:Warfare; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology