Lower extremity sport injuries in new army cadets during long distance march

Objective To investigate the characteristics of sports injury involving lower extremity during the long distance march in new army cadets. Methods We conducted a descriptive epidemiology study about lower extremity sport injury in new army cadets who participated in 300 kilometers march training in 2016. Results A total of 275 cadets were enrolled in this study and 120 cases of sports injuries were identified and treated. Injuries included 19 cases of thigh muscle group sprain, 11 cases of patellofemoral pain syndrome, 10 cases of iliotibial band syndrome, 13 cases of tibial stress syndrome, 13 cases of ankle sprain, 28 cases of plantar fasciitis, 8 cases of achilles tendinitis. Among 8 cases with severe injury and sick leave, 3 cases were ankle sprain associated with ligament injury, 3 cases were achilles tendinitis, 1 case was anterior cruciateligament injury, and 1 case was thigh muscle sprain. The body weight was significantly lower for patients suffering from achilles tendinitis than healthy cadets. Conclusion Lower extremity sport injuries during long distance march mainly included ankle and foot injuries. More attention should be paid to the prevention, treatment and health education of sports injury.