Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in military personnel: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Objective To investigate the risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in military personnel. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out in August 2019 and updated in July 2020 without language or time filters. The inclusion criteria were prospective studies that investigated the risk factors for injuries in military personnel. Only risk factors analyzed by at least ten studies were selected for the meta-analysis. For data analysis, the RevMan5.3 program was used to compare the number of participants with injuries between high- or low-risk groups. The measurement of dichotomous variables was one of the selected parameters for the analysis, as well as the Mantel-Haenszel statistical method, random-effects model, and analysis with a relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval for the included studies. Results A total of 2,629 studies were identified through databases. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. The groups considered at risk were the oldest [RR = 1.22; (95% CI 1.06-1.41)], with overweight or obesity [RR = 1.27; (95% CI 1.08-1, 48)], with previous injuries [RR = 1.15; (95% CI 1.01-1.30)], and with the worst performance in running tests of 1,600-3,200 m [RR = 1.87; (95% CI 1.28-2.71)]. Gender, ethnicity, and smoking were not associated with injuries. However, a subgroup analysis showed that among studies with a follow-up of fewer than 12 months, women presented RR = 2.44 (95% CI 1.65-3.60) more likely to develop injuries. Conclusion Age, overweight or obesity, previous injuries, and performance in the 1600-3200 m run are associated with an increased risk of injury in the military.

Automated summary

The study found that risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in military personnel include older age, overweight or obesity, previous injuries, and poor performance in the 1600-3200 m run. Gender, ethnicity, and smoking were not associated with injuries, but in studies with a follow-up of fewer than 12 months, women were found to be more likely to develop injuries.