Authors: Trone, Daniel W.; Reis, Jared P.; Macera, Caroline A.; Rauh, Mitchell J.

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 172, Number 9, September 2007 , pp. 936-941(6)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

This prospective study assessed risk factors for discharge from basic training (BT) among 2,137 male Marine Corps recruits between February and April 2003. Physical and demographic characteristics, exercise, and previous lower extremity injuries before arrival at Marine Corps Recruit Depot were assessed by questionnaire during intake processing. Stress fractures were confirmed by x-ray, triple-phase bone scan, or magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, 223 (10.4%) participants were discharged from training. In addition to the occurrence of a stress fracture during BT, older age (>23 years), non-Hispanic race, poor incoming self-rated physical fitness, no history of competitive exercise, and an incoming lower extremity injury with incomplete recovery were independent risk factors for discharge. Strategies to identify and allow the proper healing time for pre-BT lower extremity injuries, including interventions to improve the physical fitness of recruits before BT and reduce stress fractures during BT, may be indicated to lower attrition.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Behavioral Science and Epidemiology, Naval Health Research Center, P.O. Box 85122, San Diego, CA 92186.

Publication date: 2007-09-01

More about this publication?

• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Reviewer Information
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Medicine (General) ,  Political Science
• By this author: Trone, Daniel W. ;  Reis, Jared P. ;  Macera, Caroline A. ;  Rauh, Mitchell J.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers