Evaluation of a Progressive Unit-Based Running Program During Advanced Individual Training

Abstract

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank)2. REPORT DATE February 2002 REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED Technical Report TITLE AND SUBTITLE Evaluation of a Progressive Unit-Based Running Program During Advanced Individual Training AUTHOR(S)Rice, V.J., Connolly, V.L,, Bergeron, A., Mays, M.Z., Evans-Christopher, G.M., Allgood, B.D., and Mickelson, S. Over fifty percent of outpatient clinic visits at Fort Sam Houston are for musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this project was to examine high injury cause data, implement interventions, and evaluate their effectiveness in reducing musculoskeletal clinic visits and profiles. Two consecutive, ten-week 91B10 classes (n = 175 and 344 respectively) were tracked for unit reports of new and accumulated profiles, APFT scores, and Troop Medical Clinic reports of clinic visits and profiles. The first class conducted physical training using traditional methods (pre-RT). The second class used a running template (RT) emphasizing state-of-the-art knowledge on progressive training with a shorter initial running distance, a gradual buildup of distance, increased use of interval training, decreased use of distance runs, and strict adherence to the template. Results revealed fewer new profiles for the RT group (pre-RT = 43.11 %, RT = 25.66%, c2 = 15.01, p < 0.01) and fewer accumulated profiles. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of diagnostic and final APFT pass rates or scores (p > 0.05). Musculoskeletal clinic visits decreased by 36.5% (3.5 to 2.2 per 100 soldiers) representing a cost savings of $1679 per week for one battalion. New musculoskeletal profiles were reduced by 48.6% (3.9 to 2.0 per 100 soldiers) representing a savings of 612 limited duty days per week for one battalion. The running template was successful in reducing musculoskeletal clinic visits and profiles while maintaining physical readiness. Similar programs are recommended for AIT sites across the Army. C. Kileys' support, as we know inheriting an on-going project is never easy. Thanks to LTG James B. Peake for having the fortitude to systematically study these issues and bring together teams of subject matter experts. His backing allowed us to review the scientific literature and best practices, apply pertinent portions to our AIT population, and to measure whether changes improved the health, fitness, and readines...

Influence of an injury reduction program on injury and fitness outcomes among soldiers

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The Aberdeen Proving Ground Injury Control Project: Influence of a Multiple Intervention Program on Injuries and Fitness Among Ordnance School Soldiers in Advanced Individual Training

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Combining Models to Solve the Problem: Macroergonomics and Public Health

“…The greatest impact was on strain/sprain injuries, which decreased by 60% ( Figure 2). Proceedings of the Human Factors andErgonomics Society 46 th Annual Meeting --2002 PROCEEDINGS of the HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS SOCIETY 46th ANNUAL MEETING --2002 Targeted results were achieved through the redesign of the running training for A Company, 232"d Battalion (Rice, Connolly, Bergeron, Mays, Evans-Christopher, Allgood, and Mickelson, 2002) . The average profile (limited duty day) rate dropped 51%, representing a savings of 10, 886 limited duty days per year using "A" Company end-of-cycle report data.…”