Influence of the implementation of a comprehensive intervention programme on premature discharge outcomes from military training

Abstract

Objective: The study describes and analyses the influence of a comprehensive intervention on premature discharges (i.e. the military training cannot be completed). Participants: 862 male soldiers from three military units were included. Methods: The intervention included a screening protocol with a questionnaire and physical tests for musculoskeletal complaints or injuries and functional limitations and, where needed, treatment, early rehabilitation and individually-adjusted physical training. The intervention also included organisation-based training in ergonomics and exercise physiology for officers plus enhanced teamwork between officers and physiotherapist. Not all the soldiers underwent the intervention as planned. Results: The discharge rate was lower in all three units after either of the intervention programmes comparing premature discharge figures with before-implementation study figures. However, significantly fewer soldiers were discharged from the group who underwent the intervention as planned 6.1% compared to the group with the less intensive intervention, 13.1% (p=0.002). Conclusions: The results indicate that the comprehensive intervention programme can reduce the number of premature discharges from the Swedish Armed Forces. The differences between the groups indicate that the effectiveness was greater when the intervention was fully implemented with regard to intensity.

Content Validity Index and Intra- and Inter-Rater Reliability of a New Muscle Strength/Endurance Test Battery for Swedish Soldiers

“…Another reason for including this test was earlier findings indicating that a lack of strength correlated with pain in the lower back (i.e. shorter maximal contraction times and functional disability) [ 17 , 38 , 39 ].…”

“…For example, different versions of the Army Physical Fitness Test that only uses the soldiers own body weight when performing sit-ups and push-ups [ 5 ] may be considered inappropriate, since soldiers’ work tasks further require them to carry external loads [ 6 , 9 , 12 , 14 ]. Although research has shown that data obtained from physical tests can be used independently to predict future injury occurrence [ 2 , 15 – 17 ] or physical performance [ 14 , 18 – 20 ], the content validity of these tests are often not reported.…”

Implementation interventions for musculoskeletal programs of care in the active military and barriers, facilitators, and outcomes of implementation: a scoping review

“…Fifty-seven studies underwent phase II full-text screening. Sixteen relevant studies [29–44] were identified (eight observational studies including case reports and series, cross-sectional and non-experimental studies, and cohorts; four mixed methods studies; three pilot studies; one qualitative study). Fourteen studies were conducted in the US, and one study each was conducted in Canada and Sweden.…”

Fatores de risco de lesões musculoesqueléticas em militares

“…Os militares, principalmente os alunos de cursos de operações especiais, devem estar aptos a realizarem diversos tipos de exercícios físicos, muitas vezes sob condições adversas (excesso de calor e umidade, privação de sono, hidratação e alimentação restrita), o que é inerente à atividade. Entretanto, em especial nas fases básicas, iniciais ou preparatórias, a realização de um controle de cargas e a implementação de um programa educacional a respeito de hábitos posturais, hidratação e ergonomia podem contribuir para a prevenção de lesões musculoesqueléticas 47 .…”