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8.4 Diagnosed concussion history is associated with increased risk for lower-extremity injury in R.O.T.C. cadets
  1. Katherine Hunzinger1,2,
  2. Kara Radzak3,
  3. Katelyn Costantini1,
  4. Buz Swanik1,2,
  5. Thomas Buckley1,2
  1. 1Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
  2. 2Interdisciplinary Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
  3. 3Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Abstract

Objective To examine the association between diagnosed concussions and lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries (LE-MSI) in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets.

Design Cross-sectional, observational study.

Setting Two universities Army & Air Force ROTC programs.

Participants 124 (83 male, age: 19.8 + 2.0 years) Army and Air Force ROTC Cadets.

Independent Variables History (yes/no) of diagnosed concussion and acute LE-MSI (e.g., sprain or strain).

Outcome Measures A chi-squared test of association was performed between concussion and LE-MSI, and a subsequent odds ratio was performed to determine risk of LE-MSI given history of concussion.

Main Results History of diagnosed concussion and LE-MSI was present in 26.6% (33/124) and 66.1% (82/124) of cadets, respectively. There was a significant association between diagnosed concussion and any LE-MSI (χ(1) = 4.94, p = 0.026). Those with a history of concussion were 2.95 [95%CI: 1.11, 7.84] times more likely to have suffered an LE-MSI than those without a history of concussion. History of diagnosed concussion was not significantly associated with any specific LE-MSI (e.g. ankle sprain, knee injury).

Conclusions These findings suggest that cadets with a history of concussion display a nearly 3x elevated risk of suffering an LE-MSI than cadets who have no history of concussion. This adds to existing literature which found a 34% increased risk of LE-MSI post-concussion in Active Duty Soldiers. Future research should target reducing these injuries since cadets will soon commission, potentially risking injury while serving on active duty, causing limited duty days, reduced Department of Defense readiness, and increased healthcare costs.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-concussion.111

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