The benefits of exercise and physical activity, im- No. 2, pp. 197-203, 1993. It is widely acknowledged that musculoskeletal injuries occur as a result public health officials in the United States to promote of vigorous physical activity and exercise, but little quantitative greater activity and fitness levels in the population as documentation exists on the incidence of or risk factors for these major health objectives for the nation (32).injuries. This study was conducted to assess the incidence, types, and risk factors for training-related injuries among young men undergoing For some populations, such as the military, however, Army infantry basic training. Prior to training we evaluated 303 men there is a strong need to know not oniy the mcnefits.(median age 19 yr), utilizing questionnaires and measurements of but also the short-term risks of exercise. Even relatively physical fitness. Subjects were followed over 12 wk of training. Physical training was documented on a daily basis, and injuries were benign injuries, such as sprained ankles, can be costly ascertained by review of medical records for every trainee. We perin terms of lost training time and reduced "combat formed univariate and multivariate analyses of the data. Cumulative readiness" of soldiers. Because physical fitness is conincidence of subjects with one or more lower extremity trainingrelated injury was 37% (80% of all injuries). The most common sidered to be an essential element of readiness. the injuries were muscle strains, sprains, and overuse knee conditions. A Army places great emphasis on physical training. As a number of risk factors were identified, including: older age, smoking.

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