Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Stress Fractures in Military Personnel Undergoing Training: A Systematic Review

Grace M. Lennox, Patrick M. Wood, Ben Schram, Elisa F. D. Canetti, Vini Simas, Rodney Pope and Robin Orr
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Grace M. Lennox: Doctor of Physiotherapy Program, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
Patrick M. Wood: Doctor of Physiotherapy Program, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
Ben Schram: Doctor of Physiotherapy Program, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
Elisa F. D. Canetti: Doctor of Physiotherapy Program, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
Vini Simas: Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
Rodney Pope: Doctor of Physiotherapy Program, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
Robin Orr: Doctor of Physiotherapy Program, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-21

Abstract: A fracture, being an acquired rupture or break of the bone, is a significant and debilitating injury commonly seen among athletes and military personnel. Stress fractures, which have a repetitive stress aetiology, are highly prevalent among military populations, especially those undergoing training. The primary aim of this review is to identify non-modifiable risk factors for stress fractures in military personnel undergoing training. A systematic search was conducted of three major databases to identify studies that explored risk factors for stress fractures in military trainees. Critical appraisal, data extraction, and a narrative synthesis were conducted. Sixteen articles met the eligibility criteria for the study. Key non-modifiable risk factors identified were prior stress fracture and menstrual dysfunction, while advancing age and race other than black race may be a risk factor. To reduce the incidence of stress fractures in military trainees, mitigating modifiable risk factors among individuals with non-modifiable risk factors (e.g., optimising conditioning for older trainees) or better accommodating non-modifiable factors (for example, extending training periods and reducing intensity to facilitate recovery and adaptation) are suggested, with focus on groups at increased risk identified in this review.

Keywords: trainees; recruits; stress fracture; bone; army; navy; air-force; defence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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