Injuries and risk factors in an 18-day marine winter mountain training exercise

Objectives: This study determined the incidence of and risk factors for inj uries among 356 Marines during a winter mountain training exercise. Methods : Marines received a podiatry screening and completed a questionnaire on ra ce, education, tobacco use, height, weight, and fitness (4,8-km run, sit-up s, pull-ups). Results: Forty-five Marines (12.6%) reported at least one inj ury each, 68.9% of which were traumatic injuries. Total injuries resulted i n 114 days of limited duty time. A final foot examination (N = 141) reveale d 118 injuries (82.2% blisters and abrasions, 11.9% frostnip). White ethnic ity was a risk factor for overall injuries, and forefoot varus alignment wa s a risk factor for traumatic injuries. Lower education and rank and smokel ess tobacco use were associated with foot injuries. The Marine ski-march le ather boot and smoking were related to foot cold injuries. Conclusions: Mil itary winter training is associated with injuries and lost training time. R isk factors were identified, suggesting that these injuries may be preventa ble.