Effect of Basic Military Training on Knee Pain and Muscular Flexibility of Lower Limbs

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints. Musculoskeletal injuries resulted of overuse, reduce the efficiency of training among recruits underwent basic military instruction. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of basic military training on knee pain and muscular flexibility of lower limbs. 100 soldiers (having no complaint of knee pain) from military training center of Birjand (0-4) were studied. Physical examination of knee and passive range of motion of lower limbs were assessed before and immediately after a 3-month priod of basic military training. All musculoskeletal complaints and injuries were documented prospectively during the study. Data was analyzed with SPSS11.5. Wilcoxon and ANOVA were used to compare mean values and significancy level was considered at p<0.05. During the study, 20 soldiers (20%) complained of knee pain. Frequency of positive sherug test increased (p<0.05) but no significant changes in the results of other tests were seen. At the end of the training, flexibility of all tested muscles was improved: Hamestrings (7.91 ± 0.57%), Gasterosuleus (25.72 ± 2%), Thigh adductors (32.66 ± 2.52%) and Quadriceps (7.81 ± 0.79%). Pattelofemoral syndrome was the most common finding in new cases of knee pain during the military training period. Due to high incidence of muscle shortness, an appropriate stretching exercise is recommended both to improve flexibility and prevent injuries.