Pre-Injury Risk Association with Static Balance Symmetry in an Active-Duty Military Population

Goss D, Gaunaurd I, Helton M, Applegate B, Bennett C, Haltiwanger H, Reilly N, Gonnella M, Black J, Deol G, Garr E, Thompson C, Gailey R

Abstract accepted as a platform presentation for the 2024 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting

The Region of Limb Stability (ROLS) quantifies static lower limb (LL) balance and stability by assessing segmental excursion during single limb stance (SLS). Previous research has established that the ROLS metric predicts LL musculoskeletal (MSK) injury occurrence in Division I Collegiate Athletes. Lower Limb injuries are a prevalent reason for Soldiers seeking medical care; therefore, predicting injuries has large implications on readiness. ROLS can be used as screening tool for identifying at-risk SMs who may require additional physical therapy assessment and/or pre-injury/prehab interventions to reduce the risk of MSK injury. The purpose of this study is to characterize ROLS in Active Duty SMs.

Nearly 30% of the SMs tested were at a high risk for LL MSK injury during baseline screening. Those at highest risk included Non-Commissioned Officers (E5-E9 rank). These findings suggest that ROLS can be used as a screening assessment tool to identify individuals at risk for LL MSK injuries and proactively intervene with further assessment and/or the implementation a pre-injury/prehab intervention. Further research is warranted to determine the effectiveness of ROLS SI as a routine tool for the reduction of injuries in Active Duty SMs.