The physical training and rehabilitation program: Duration of rehabilitation and final outcome of injuries in basic combat training

Abstract

During calendar year 1998, 6% [N=2,010: Men [m]=670, 3%, women [w]=1,340, 12%) of soldiers in basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina (N=32,251), were unable to continue training as a result of a training-related injury. These soldiers were recommended for the Physical Training and Rehabilitation Program (PTRP) for recovery and rehabilitation. Forty-two percent of recommended soldiers were discharged from the Army rather than assigned to PTRP. The 1,164 (m=356, w=808) soldiers assigned to PTRP sustained 1,673 injuries [m=444, w=1229). Eighty-three percent of the injuries in PTRP were in the overuse (44%) and stress fracture (39%) categories. Of the 1,164 soldiers assigned to PTRP, 52% (m=214, w=386) returned to training. The average (±SD) length of stay in PTRP for soldiers returning to duty was 62 ±42 days (m=57±39, w=65±43). Rehabilitation challenges and significant motivational issues presumably contributed to the 52% return to duty incidence for PTRP soldiers.