Injuries and Injury Prevention in the US Army Band

Injury rates and potential risk factors were examined in the 284 members of the US Army Band in response to a request from the Band Commander. Collected data included 1) information obtained directly from the Band (fitness test scores, height, weight, etc.), 2) medical data from the Defense Medical Surveillance System, 3) audiograms of Band member from the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System-Hearing Conservation database, 4) focus group interviews of Band members, 5) questionnaire responses from all Band members and, 6) observations on Band activities. Results led to 10 recommendations including: increase physical activity and physical fitness of low fit Band members, provide enhanced hearing protection, conduct annual hearing tests, reduce environmental heat exposures, provide ergonomic devices, provide functional movement and pain management training, reduce standing and marching, provide appropriate shoes, provide uniforms for hot and humid conditions, and change chairs. Implementing some or all of the suggested interventions is likely to reduce injuries and musculoskeletal symptoms.
The original document contains color images.