Selected Static Anatomic Measures Predict Overuse Injuries in Female Military Recruits

Background/Purpose: Overuse injuries account for substantial time lost or training activities, especially in young women undergoing U.S. Marine Corps basic training. The purpose of this study was to explore static anatomic measures that may identify recruits with anatomic irregularities/malaligment that may place them at increased risk for four common overuse injuries: iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), shin splints (SS), and plantar fasciitis (PF) during basic training. Methods: Data collected included 10 anatomic measures performed on a sample of 748 women prior to basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island, in 1995-1996. Recruits were then followed throughout basic training for occurrence of acute and overuse injuries. Results: Of the 748 recruits, 7.5% (n=56) were diagnosed with PFPS, 7.2% (n=54) with SS, 3.2% (n=24) with ITBS, and 2.9% (n=22) with PF. We found that left-hip internal rotation range of motion (ROM) 25 deg and 46 deg, a right Q-angle 20 deg, and left-knee hyperextension ROM 6 deg were positively associated with PFPS. In addition, a narrow pelvic width/femur ratio and left-ankle dorsiflexion ROM 21 deg were associated with SS injury. A right Q-angle 20 deg was inversely associated with SS injury. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that multiple anatomic tests can be used to identify women entering MCRD basic training at risk for PFPS and SS. Prophylactic or pretraining activities designed to improve or correct malalignment may help reduce training-related overuse injuries. Published in Military Medicine, v175 n5 p329-335, 2010.