New project to reduce injuries in new military recruits

Musculoskeletal injuries in new army recruits are an increasingly common problem. (Credit: WavebreakmediaMicro)

Researchers from the University of Bath are partnering with the Ministry of Defence, in a new £1.35 million research project aimed at predicting and preventing musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) in military training.

Musculoskeletal injuries - sprains and pain of muscles, tendons or joints caused by physical activity - are a significant problem in the training of new recruits to the military.

MSKI are a leading cause of lost training days with persistent injuries leading to "re-squadding", where recruits are unable to progress with their squad so must repeat part of their training with a different cohort. An important consequence is that this then increases the likelihood that a recruit will choose to voluntary discharge.

In extreme cases, injuries can lead to medical discharges from military service, causing an economic and logistical cost to the army as well as a personal cost in terms of morale and mental health for the recruits themselves.

The five-year project, led by Professor James Bilzon from the University's Department for Health, will support three PhD studentships focusing on different areas:

Physiology: Exploring the physiological contributors to MSKI, such as individual physical traits, performance metrics, training load, health behaviours, and biomarkers. This project will also assess various interventions that adapt military training to reduce the risk of injury. Statistics: Analysing injury epidemiology and related risk factors, and using artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to develop personalised strategies for minimising MSKI. These will be rigorously tested and refined during the intervention phase of the research. Biomechanics: Investigating the biomechanical factors - body movement and forces - associated with MSKI. This research will also help develop movement control strategies and training interventions designed to improve movement quality and reduce injury risk.

The team will be collaborating with HPO Technologies Ltd. to develop a bespoke app that will use proven pre-conditioning programmes to enhance the physical and psychological readiness of trainees to cope with the rigours of military training.

Professor James Bilzon said: "With physical activity and fitness levels of adolescents declining in the last few years, musculoskeletal injuries in new army recruits have become an increasingly common problem.

"This exciting project uses the strength and expertise within the Department of Health to address a real-world challenge affecting both recruits and serving soldiers in the British Army and wider defence sector.

"Our evidence-based and innovative approach aims to apply the latest research methods to effectively prevent injury and prepare the next generation of recruits for a full career in military service."

This collaboration was facilitated by the University's Business and Knowledge Exchange Team.

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